U.S. Department of Labor Cites Alabama Manufacturer For Exposing Employees to Workplace Hazards

OPELIKA, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Packaging Corp. of America for exposing employees to unprotected machinery and amputation hazards. The cardboard box manufacturer, based in Opelika, Alabama, faces proposed penalties of $66,612.

OSHA cited the company for failing to provide written procedures to control the release of hazardous energy; exposing employees to struck-by, caught-in and amputation hazards; and allowing employees to operate forklifts without required training. The investigation is part of OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Amputations.

"Packaging Corp. of America should have incorporated a comprehensive safety and health program that would have identified these hazards and protected their employees from the risk of serious injuries," said OSHA Mobile Area Office Director Joseph Roesler.

Packaging Corp. of America has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.