A Selma, Ala.-based lumber and hardwood flooring manufacturer is facing $218,192 in fines after a worker was struck and killed by a piece of wood while attempting to clear a jammed machine. The incident occurred Jan. 14, Alabama Now reports.
The company, Miller & Co. Inc., was cited July 9 by OSHA for failing to lockout equipment prior to beginning maintenance; failing to ensure machines were properly guarded; and failing to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures.
The company had also failed to implement an alternative energy control procedure for clearing equipment jams, a procedure it developed but failed to implement after an employee at the company suffered an amputation in 2018, according to OSHA.
“Tragedies such as this can be prevented if employers comply with workplace standards, as required by law,” OSHA Mobile Area Director Jose Gonzalez said in a statement.
OSHA offers resources on preventing amputations and safeguarding equipment on its Machine Guarding webpage.
