U.S. Department of Labor Cites Florida Company for Exposing Employees To Amputations and Other Safety Hazards

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Jimmie Crowder Excavating and Land Clearing Inc. for exposing employees to amputation and other safety hazards at the company's facility in Tallahassee, Florida. The demolition and excavating company faces $81,833 in penalties.

An employee suffered an amputation after their arm was caught in a conveyor belt that started unexpectedly as an employee removed material. OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to establish a lockout/tagout process, provide machine guarding, train employees on procedures to control the release of hazardous energy, and exposed employees to slip, trip, fall, and electrical hazards. OSHA conducted the inspection as part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations.  

"Proper safety procedures, including the effective lockout of all sources of energy, could have prevented this injury," said OSHA Area Director Michelle Gonzalez, in Jacksonville, Florida. "Employers are required to train workers and ensure that they understand how to disable machinery before performing service or maintenance."

Learn more about OSHA's compliance assistance resources on implementing lockout/tagout procedures.

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.