23-year-old worker loses part of finger in machine

PAINESVILLE, Ohio — A 23-year-old machine operator making nuts and bolts suffered a partial amputation of his right middle finger when it was caught in a machine at a Painesville manufacturer. He had only three weeks' experience with the equipment when the injury occurred.

U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors found the man's employer, The Dyson Corp., failed to follow safety practices. OSHA cited the company on Aug. 20 for two willful, three repeated and three serious safety violations. Proposed penalties total $170,170.

The agency has also placed Dyson in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program following the inspection of the Feb. 24, 2015, injury. The agency cited the company for similar hazards in May 2013 at the same facility.

"This preventable mishap has personal and professional consequences for a 23-year-old. OSHA had inspected the Dyson facility seven times since 2006 and repeatedly cited the company for machine safety procedure violations," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "Since this incident occurred the company has reached out to OSHA and is working to make significant changes in their safety and health management system."

OSHA inspectors found the company also failed to train workers on safety procedures, or to install machine guards on belts, pulleys and presses.

These violations are among OSHA's most frequently cited, and can result in death or permanent disability.

Dyson supplies parts for the U.S. Navy and manufactures large-diameter fastening systems used in the wind power, transportation, mining, nuclear power, oil and gas industries. The company began operation in 1884.

To view current citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/DysonCorp_1043996.pdf

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

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report amputations, eye loss, 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 Cleveland Area Office at 216-447-4194.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.