OSHA assesses $174K penalty for lockout fatality at pallet plant – Technologist

Federal OSHA recently proposed penalties totaling $174,453 after an employee at a pallet manufacturing company in Wisconsin was killed while clearing a jammed machine. The machine wasn’t locked out when the 57-year-old employee removed a board that was stuck in it. According to OSHA, as soon as the board was pulled out, “the metal carriage moved, striking him and causing severe crushing injuries.” When OSHA inspected the plant, the agency found other violations, including lack of machine guarding and fall protection.

This tragedy shows the critical importance of enforcing strict lockout-tagout procedures in any workplace where the release of hazardous energy could seriously injure or even kill employees. At least annually and upon acquiring any new equipment, you should conduct a Job Safety Analysis (also called a Job Hazard Analysis) to ensure you are protecting workers from workplace hazards. Check out OSHA’s Job Hazard Analysis Worksheet, or Vigilant members can see Model Form: Job Safety Analysis. Key items to review include the following:

• Energized equipment requires proper lockout-tagout if workers have to clean, maintain, or work around it. Review OSHA’s lockout-tagout template, or Vigilant members can see Legal Guide: Lockout/Tagout (Hazardous Energy Control).
• Machine guarding or point-of-operation protections are needed for equipment that could catch an employee’s hand or other body part while in operation.
• Fall protection should be in place according to the relevant “trigger height,” which varies by industry (general industry versus construction), machinery, and the state in which your workplace is located.
• Other engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) may also be appropriate.

Tips: Be sure to work with your safety professional to ensure that your workplace provides adequate safety measures to protect workers. Vigilant members, your dedicated Safety Professional can answer your questions and advise you on what protections are required for your workplace.