Health Care Products Inc. exposes production workers to amputation hazards

Employer name: Health Care Products Inc.

Investigation site: 410 Nisco Street, Coldwater, Ohio

Date investigation initiated and what prompted inspection: On Nov. 25, 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Toledo Area Office initiated an inspection of the feminine hygiene product manufacturer after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conductions.

Investigation findings: OSHA's investigation found workers were exposed to amputation hazards while working on the production line because proper safety mechanisms were not installed on operating parts of machinery. One willful citation was issued for exposing workers to ingoing nip points, rotating rollers and other dangerous machinery.

"Each shift workers on the production line were exposed to operating points of machinery that can lead to serious injuries such as amputations, lacerations and cuts," said Kim Nelson, OSHA's area director in Toledo.

"Amputation hazards are among the most frequently cited by OSHA. By installing and properly using required safety mechanisms these hazards can be avoided. No worker should be asked to compromise their safety for their livelihood."

A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Proposed Penalties: $53,900

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Toledo Area Office at (419) 259-7542