U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Aluminum Can Manufacturer After Employee Suffers Broken Arm When Caught in Machine

NAPOLEON, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Silgan Containers Manufacturing Corp. after an employee suffered a broken arm while servicing a machine at its Napoleon, Ohio, facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $106,080 for one repeat and three serious safety violations.

OSHA's investigation found the aluminum can manufacturer failed to lockout the machine that caused the employee's injury. The Agency cited the company for its failure to train employees on energy control procedures, perform periodic inspections of energy control procedures, and guard the machine's pinch point. OSHA cited Silgan Containers for similar violations at its Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, plant in 2015.

"Employers are required to train their employees on proper lockout/tag out procedures to prevent the release of stored energy or unexpected startup of equipment," said OSHA Area Director Kimberly Nelson in Toledo, Ohio.

OSHA offers compliance assistance resources on lockout-tagout hazards on OSHA's Control of Hazardous Energy page and the interactive eTool. 

The company 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/.