A recent U.S. Department of Labor investigation into an amputation injury at a Neenah manufacturing plant found one of the nation’s oldest and most recognized companies again failed to follow required safety procedures.
OSHA's investigation of Dixon Ticonderoga's facility found the art supply manufacturer lacked adequate machine safety procedures. Since 2020, the agency has cited the Neenah facility three times for similar violations.
The worker was hurt in February 2023. OSHA inspectors determined the injury occurred as the worker tried to clean a press used to imprint images in labeling and packaging processes, which lacked required safety guards.
Inspectors also found that the company had not developed clear and specific procedures for controlling hazardous energy and did not protect workers by employing these measures before servicing and maintaining equipment.
“For the fourth time in three years, our inspectors found Dixon Ticonderoga exposing workers to severe injuries by failing to make sure dangerous machines are guarded or de-energized as required,” explained OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack.
OSHA cited the company for two repeat and four serious violations and proposed $203,806 in penalties.
Headquartered in Appleton, Dixon Ticonderoga is affiliated with F.I.L.A. Group of Italy, one of the world’s largest art and education suppliers.
Founded in 1812 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the company is one of the nation’s first pencil manufacturers and today produces pencils, art papers and supplies, craft essentials and educational materials.
The company has about 400 employees, including 70 in Neenah.
