An OSHA investigation has concluded that NOX US LLC, an Ohio-based vinyl tile manufacturer, failed to protect its workers from various hazards at its Fostoria plant. Over the past six years, 14 employees have suffered injuries at the plant. The inspection began earlier this year after a machine operator suffered a finger amputation when their gloved finger got caught in a chain and sprocket system that didn’t have required safety guards. The OSHA inspectors determined that the company exposed workers to equipment hazards by not properly guarding machines, failed to implement LOTO procedures, and did not adequately train workers. NOX US was cited for three willful violations, two repeat violation, three serious and two other-than-serious violations. The company faces $545,853 in penalties in addition to $1.2 million in penalties issued last year from a separate inspection.
In a recent quote, OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan said, “Despite repeated citations and penalties, the company continues to expose employees to dangerous hazards and allows them to operate unguarded machines. NOX US is failing to meet their legal responsibility to provide employees with a safe and healthy work environment, and they must change the way it operates before another employee is needlessly injured.”