U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Rubber Products Manufacturer For Exposing Employees to Machine and Electrical Hazards

BOTKINS, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Boomerang Rubber Inc. – based in Botkins, Ohio – with two willful and six serious violations for exposing employees to machine and electrical hazards. The company faces penalties of $330,269.

OSHA initiated an inspection under the Site-Specific Targeting Program for employers with higher than average injury and illness rates. The company failed to develop and implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent employee exposure to unintentional machine movement during maintenance, and install machine guards. The company also failed to provide adequate personal protective equipment to prevent electric shock, train workers in safety procedures and properly label chemical containers.

“Employers are legally responsible for examining workplace conditions and correcting hazards, and providing employee training so that work will be performed in a safe and healthful manner,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

“Employers must ensure their workers are trained in proper machine safety procedures and provided the necessary personal protective equipment to prevent injuries and illness on the job,” said OSHA Toledo Area Office Director Kimberly Nelson. “Continuous monitoring of facilities and procedures are important components of an effective safety and health program.”

OSHA’s webpage offers extensive resources on machine guarding and lockout/tagout procedures, as well as electrical safe work practices.

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.