U.S. Department of Labor Cites New Jersey Manufacturer For Safety Lapse Again After Employee Amputation

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited BWay Corp. – doing business as Mauser Packaging Solutions – for workplace safety and health hazards after an employee suffered an amputation on Sept. 26, 2019, at the Lawrence Township, New Jersey, facility. The company faces $151,329 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection after being notified that an employee was cleaning a machine when the amputation occurred. The agency cited BWay Corp. for two repeated and two serious violations for failing to use lockout/tagout procedures to protect employees from hazardous energy. OSHA cited the company for similar violations at multiple facilities between 2016 and 2019.

“Workers servicing or maintaining machines are at risk of serious injury, including amputations, if hazardous energy is not properly controlled,” said OSHA Marlton Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick. “This company must correct the hazards identified to protect workers’ safety.”

OSHA offers guidance on lockout/tagout requirements to control hazardous energy.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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 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.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.