OSHA cites Georgia automotive parts manufacturer after flash fire severely burns maintenance technician

WINTERVILLE, Ga. – Every day, workers depend on their employers to keep them safe on the job. When an employer fails to address safety hazards, workers can suffer the consequences. On Sept. 23, 2015, a 33-year-old maintenance technician was the victim of a Georgia auto parts manufacturer’s indifference toward safety.

The worker at Nakanishi Manufacturing Corp.’s Winterville facility was operating a dust collector when an explosion occurred. Flames engulfed the man, causing third-degree burns to his upper body. The employee continues to recover from his injuries.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an investigation after learning of the employee’s hospitalization. The agency issued citations to the manufacturer on April 01 for one willful, 18 serious and one other-than-serious safety and health violation.

“Nakanishi Manufacturing had four previous fires in the dust collection system in Winterville and management knew that the combustible dust hazard was not corrected, yet they continued to let workers operate the system,” said William Fulcher, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-East Area Office. “Out of sight, out of mind is not an acceptable strategy for fixing workplace hazards. This mindset is dangerous, irresponsible and must be changed immediately.”

OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $144,995.

The agency issued Nakanishi one willful citation for exposing workers to unguarded machinery.

The serious citations relate to the employer’s failure to:

• Evaluate the performance of powered industrial truck operators at least once every three years.

–Train and inspect workers on the specific procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing.

–Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards.

–Failure to train employees on the hazards of combustible dust.

–Conduct annual hearing test for workers exposed to high noise levels.

Other violations include not reporting a workplace injury on the required OSHA 300 log.

The citations can be viewed at:

http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/nakanishihealth1095735.pdf  

http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/nakanishisafety1095766.pdf

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, Nakanishi Manufacturing Corp. employs approximately 153 workers in the U.S. The company manufactures plastic and metal automotive bearing retainers. The employer has 15 business days from receipt of their 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.

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 Atlanta-East Area Office at 770 493-6644.

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.