OSHA fines Madix $158,051 after an unguarded saw causes a worker to lose 3 fingers

An OSHA investigation has determined that Madix Inc. failed to follow required federal safety standards, which lead to a worker suffering an amputation. Earlier this year, an employee was attempting to adjust a coolant feed line on a tube saw when his glove became caught. The worker’s hand was pulled into the blade, and three of his fingers were amputated. During their inspection, OSHA investigators determined that Madix allowed employees to perform maintenance on saws without following LOTO processes, failed to install guards on a tube-cutting saw’s blades, and did not train workers on how to safely apply, use and remove energy controls on automatic tube cutters. The company, which produces shelving and displays, was cited for two repeat, three serious and three other-than-serious safety violations. Madix faces $158,051 in penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Jose A. Gonzalez said, “A young man has suffered a life-altering injury simply because the employer failed to install machine guards and make sure to have lockout/tagout procedures in place to disable machinery. Madix’s failures in past inspections raise concerns about how seriously the company takes its obligation to provide employees with a safe and healthy workplace.”