Parts manufacturer fined $298K for exposing workers to amputation hazards and other injuries

An OSHA investigation has determined that Walker Midwest LLC exposed workers to multiple injuries and amputation hazards. The company failed to guard industrial equipment, develop a lockout/tagout program and train workers on machine safety procedures. The investigation began after OSHA received a complaint related to hazards under the National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries. Walker Midwest was cited for one willful and 13 serious violations. These violations include failing to add required guarding to machines and allowing maintenance and service on machines without lockout/tagout procedures. The company faces $298,453 in penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Jacob Scott said, “Failing to train workers on machine safety procedures and allowing them to operate unguarded machines is inviting disaster. Lockout/tagout procedures have been an OSHA and industry standard for decades and there is no excuse for any manufacturer to fail to develop, implement and train workers in these safety procedures.”