OSHA cites lumber company for inadequate machine guards after worker suffers injury while setting up molding machine

MARATHON, Wis. –Federal safety inspectors found multiple woodworking machines at a Wisconsin lumber company lacked adequate safeguards and that workers were not properly trained in isolating energy to machines to prevent contact with operating parts during set-up, servicing and maintenance.

On Dec. 27, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed penalties of $260,113, to Menzner Lumber and Supply after its investigation of a June 29, 2016, injury in which a 24-year-old worker suffered the partial amputation of his right middle finger. In its investigation, OSHA identified three repeated and seven serious safety violations.

“Despite earlier machine-related injuries, OSHA found several machines at the company lacked adequate safeguards to prevent workers from coming in contact with operating parts,” said Robert Bonack, OSHA’s area director in Appleton. “Menzner Lumber & Supply should immediately re-evaluate its safety and health programs and ensure their workers are properly trained.”

OSHA also found electrical safety violations, lack of guarding on ladder wells to prevent falls, and inadequate energy control procedures at the facility.

In previous investigations, OSHA learned that a machine severed a 25-year-old employee’s left middle finger on April 2, 2015, and that a 34-year-old worker lost the tip of his right thumb on Jan. 12, 2015, when each came in contact with machine operating parts.

View current citations here.

The Marathon-based company manufacturers hardwoods, veneers, moldings and other wood products and operates facilities in four states.  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 Appleton Area Office at 920-734-4521.

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.