FOSTORIA, OH – Nox U.S. LLC has been cited by OSHA after an employee suffered amputation of the lower right arm and four fingers after becoming caught in a lamination machine.
For exposing employees to machine hazards and failing to develop hazardous energy control procedures to prevent employees from coming into contact with moving machine parts, OSHA has proposed $316,929 in penalties, and placed the Fostoria, Ohio, vinyl floor manufacturer in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
OSHA cited the company for lack of adequate machine guarding on rotating parts and shafts. They also cited Nox U.S. LLC for failing to develop specific procedures for unjamming flooring material from machines on the lamination line; train workers on hazardous energy control procedures; and provide adequate personal protective equipment.
In December 2017, OSHA cited the company for similar hazards after two workers suffered injuries in separate incidents involving lack of machine safety procedures.
OSHA’s Machine Guarding section provides information on requirements for protecting workers from machine hazards that can cause amputations, crushed fingers or hands, and other injuries.
Nox has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
