U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Manufacturer For Lacking Safety Procedures After Employee Suffers Amputation

ASHLAND, OH ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Liqui-Box Corp., an Ashland plastic bag manufacturer, for serious and repeated violations of machine safety procedures. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $155,208.

OSHA initiated an investigation after an employee clearing a jam on a bag sealing machine suffered a partial amputation of his thumb. Liqui-Box Corp. was cited for failing to adequately train employees on lockout/tagout procedures, and failing to complete required annual audits of the company’s safety processes. The employer has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

“Hundreds of workers are injured every year in manufacturing facilities because employers fail to follow machine safety procedures,” said Kim Nelson, OSHA Area Office Director in Toledo. “This company exposed an employee to serious injury by failing to take the necessary and well-known safety precautions.”

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.

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.