Pallet manufacturer fined $255K for repeatedly exposing workers to amputation hazards

Pallet manufacturer fined $255K for repeatedly exposing workers to amputation hazards

Aug. 7, 2024
The company was cited for lockout/tagout violations in 2012, as well as during subsequent visits in 2014, 2020, and 2022.

An OSHA investigation has determined that M&H Crates Inc. is continuing to expose its workers to amputation hazards. During a follow-up inspection, OSHA investigators learned that the pallet manufacturer has not rectified safety concerns from over a decade ago. The company was cited for lockout/tagout (LOTO) violations in 2012, as well as during subsequent visits in 2014, 2020, and 2022.

In 2022, the company was cited for one willful violation and 12 serious violations. These violations included fall hazards, a lack of worker training on LOTO procedures, unsafe machine operations, and drivers operating forklifts without using seatbelts. M&H Crates now faces $254,527 in proposed penalties.

What people are saying

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Greg Wynn said, “M&H Crates Inc. continues to ignore its legal responsibility to comply with federal workplace safety standards. We will use all measures available to us to hold this company accountable for its continued willingness to expose employees to the serious dangers that exist in manufacturing workplaces.”

OSHA in the news

Flooring manufacturer exposed workers to willful, serious safety violations, fined $300K by OSHA
Ecore International was cited for one willful violation and 15 serious violations.

2 workers suffer severe injuries within a week, meat casing manufacturer fined $197K by OSHA 
The company was ultimately cited for one repeat violation, seven serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation.

Worker burned in flash fire incident; coatings manufacturer fined $183K for 12 safety violations
The employee suffered first-and second-degree burns.

Learn more about industrial safety

Playing Field, Players and the Game: Understanding Safety Performance
It’s essential to pinpoint the factors contributing to a decline in safety performance.

AI in Manufacturing Safety is No Accident
Visual AI can help prevent accidents while improving workplace safety management and increasing productivity.

Preventing Workplace Violence Starts with a Plan
Workplace violence, like other industrial hazards, can be prevented with the proper culture and planning.

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. 

Sponsored Recommendations

April 14, 2025
This paper addresses where leaks commonly occur, leak detection methods, and practical advice for an audit and repair plan. You'll learn why an ongoing leak detection and repair...
April 14, 2025
Here are some things you can do in between formal preventive maintenance visits on your electric screw compressor to extend compressor life and prevent downtime.
April 14, 2025
They cost more than refrigerated dryers. They need more parts and service than refrigerated dryers. They increase demand for compressed air. So when should you use a desiccant...
April 14, 2025
Follow these ten steps for energy savings in your compressed air system.