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Amputation Leads to Proposed $100K in Fines

Previous inspections identified issues with a brick crushing machine, but the plant failed to repair it.

Refractory product manufacturer TYK America, Inc. faces over $100,000 in fines after a 53-year-old worker suffered an arm amputation at a plant in Clairton, Pennsylvania. 

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the incident occurred after the facility failed to provide guarding on a brick crushing machine.

Inspectors determined that the worker was loading brick pieces into the machine when the left arm and hand were caught and pulled into the rotating drums.  

Following an investigation, OSHA cited TYK America for 11 safety violations.

The missing guarding could have prevented body parts from being in the danger zone during operation. 

Previous inspections identified the hazard, but the plant kept the machine operational and did not repair the deficiency before the incident. 

Other violations include no warning labels and guarding on machinery and workers being exposed to crushed-by, struck-by and electrical hazards while using a damaged hoist. 

TYK America has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference or contest the findings. 

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