Lack of protective equipment leaves employees of Madison, New Jersey, manufacturer exposed to amputation hazards, finds OSHA

Employer name and location: EP Heller Co., which manufactures and services carbide steel cutting tools, is located at 21-25 Samson Ave. in Madison, New Jersey.

Date investigation initiated: The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated an investigation on Oct. 8, 2014, in response to a complaint.

Investigation findings: OSHA cited EP Heller Co. for two willful violations for failure to properly guard machinery to protect employees from possible amputations. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

OSHA inspectors also identified 11 serious violations for hazards including workers not medically evaluated, fit tested, and trained on the respirators provided for protection against metal dust, and lack of guarding on grinding machinery. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"OSHA previously cited this company for the same amputation hazards involving the same machinery, yet it continues to jeopardize worker safety by not ensuring the proper safeguards are in place. The proposed penalties in this case reflect the severe nature of the cited hazards," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office. "OSHA remains committed to holding companies legally accountable for failing to uphold their responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Proposed penalties: $56,000

View the citation: https://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/EPHeller_999306_0223_15.pdf