2 workers suffer amputations because of unguarded machines, bakeware manufacturer fined $182K
An OSHA investigation has determined that G&S Metal Products Co. could have prevented two workers from being seriously injured if the company had followed proper safety measures. The incidents occurred in June and July of 2024. The first accident occurred while a 37-year-old employee was operating a power press. The press’s pullbacks were not properly secured, and the machine cycled unexpectedly, exposing the operator to hazardous moving parts and leading to an amputation injury. Two weeks later, a 64-year-old worker was attempting to clear scrap from a mechanical power press when the die on the machine closed without warning. It was later determined that the machine lacked adequate guarding and was not locked out to prevent operation during maintenance. The worker suffered an amputation as a result of the accident.
After its investigations, OSHA found that the Cleveland bakeware manufacturer’s machinery lacked adequate guarding. Additionally, G&S Metal Products failed to implement lockout/tagout procedures and did not train its employees in machine safety. The company was ultimately cited for one willful violation and five serious violations and will have to pay $182,293 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts said, “These two workers must live with permanent injuries because their employer failed to ensure that adequate guarding was in place. G&S Metal Products Co. Inc. must take immediate action to evaluate and address machine safety across its operations. Employers have an obligation to adhere to basic safety standards to ensure every worker returns home safely.”
OSHA in the news
Worker suffers partial arm amputation, hardwood flooring manufacturer fined $256K
The incident occurred at the company’s Charles Street facility while the employee was troubleshooting a rip saw machine.
Industrial accident leads to death and double leg amputation for two employees, pipe manufacturer fined $443K
The company, which specializes in steel pipe manufacturing, failed to establish safe practices for storing and stacking pipes.
Foundry fined $990K for exposing employees to fire, explosion, burn, and fall hazards
Frazer & Jones was cited for four willful, 13 repeat, seven serious and three other-than-serious violations.
Learn more about industrial safety
Workplace Safety Is Job One
Pulling back the curtain on how EHS leaders view their profession.
Report Questions Warehouse Worker Safety Due to Excessive Surveillance
An Oxfam report says Amazon's and Walmart's technology is harming workers.
You Knew This Job Was Dangerous When You Took It
The 2024 National Safety & Salary Survey reveals that safety leaders have a high degree of satisfaction in their profession.
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
