Stanley Black + Decker fined $222K after worker is injured in electrical arc blast
An OSHA investigation has discovered that MTD Products Inc. — operating as Stanley Black + Decker — could have prevented the injury of a 29-year-old maintenance electrician. The worker suffered severe burns during an electrical arc blast while trying to replace fuses to repair an industrial oven. The investigation, which began on Dec. 20, 2023, determined that the tool and equipment manufacturer failed to provide personal protective equipment to employees who were working around energized electrical equipment. In addition, the company exposed employees to fall hazards, failed to develop safe work practices, and did not properly train employees. In total, Stanley Black + Decker was cited for one willful violation and four serious violations. The company faces $222,392 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen said, “Stanley Black + Decker must reevaluate its safety procedures immediately to protect maintenance workers from electrical and machine hazards before another employee suffers needlessly. Each year, hundreds of workers are hurt or worse by electrical-related injuries when employers fail to provide required personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures. Employee safety and health should be every employer’s most important bottom line.”
OSHA in the news
Glass manufacturer fined $145K for repeat safety violations, including a lack of worker training
The company was investigated in January after inspections in October and December 2022 found workers exposed to machine hazards.
Automotive supplier fined $315K by OSHA after worker is crushed to death
The company was cited for similar violations in 2022.
Modular home manufacturer fined $272K by OSHA for 27 health and safety violations
Cavco has been cited for 38 workplace safety and health violations since 2015.
Learn more about electrical safety
Why a return-to-service plan is key to reducing electrical safety risks following maintenance outages
An effective plan can help your team gain the discipline to navigate the unique set of hazards associated with returning electrical equipment to service.
Is your plant following the new NFPA 70B standard?
The key to compliance is developing an electrical maintenance plan – here’s how to do that.
Hot tips for industrial electrical safety
Sheila Kennedy says innovative tools and accessories help protect against serious industrial hazards.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
Connect with Alexis on LinkedIn
