Industry News

Ohio manufacturer fined $254K after worker is caught in a pinch point and suffers severe injuries

April 9, 2024

ArcelorMittal Tubular Products was ultimately cited for four repeat violations.

An OSHA investigation has determined that ArcelorMittal Tubular Products USA LLC failed to protect a 60-year-old employee from severe injuries. The employee, who was working as a tube handler, became caught in a pinch point created by a bundle of steel tubes and a rotating roller conveyor and suffered lower arm and wrist injuries. OSHA’s investigation deduced that the company did not guard the conveyor’s pinch points adequately, which led to the accident. Similar hazards were also found at the company’s Shelby facility in 2022.

ArcelorMittal Tubular Products was ultimately cited for four repeat violations. These violations include failing to implement proper machine guarding, a lack of worker training, and a failure to execute required lockout/tagout procedures. The company faces $253,515 in proposed penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen said, “The inspection of ArcelorMittal Tubular Products was one of nearly 1,700 inspections related to machine hazards and potential amputation injuries in Ohio in the past five years. This was a preventable injury had the company taken appropriate action to prevent workers from contacting moving machine parts, violations for which OSHA cited the company previously. Safety should be a core value of every company.”

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.