An investigation has determined that Dynamic Tool Co. Inc. willfully exposed workers to the risks of amputation and permanent hearing loss. In addition, the manufacturing company was found to have violated dozens of federal safety and health regulations. The investigation, which was conducted by OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on amputations in the manufacturing industries, identified 58 violations, including two willful safety violations and one willful health violation.
It was discovered that machine guards were not in place at the El Paso plant, and the company failed to establish and maintain an audiometric testing program. Other citations included failing to install lockout/tagout systems and not training employees on energy control procedures. Because of these violations, Dynamic Tool faces $596,221 in proposed penalties.
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Diego Alvarado said, “The workplace safety hazards our inspectors identified at Dynamic Tool Co. were widespread and deeply concerning given the company’s long history. There is no excuse for allowing the dozens of safety and health failures we catalogued, many of which have the potential to cause employees serious and permanent injuries, or worse. Dynamic Tool must act immediately to protect its employees and comply with federal safety and health laws.”