On November 29, 2016, a 26-year-old machine operator at an electrical cable manufacturer died when he was pulled into a re-spool machine and crushed. The incident occurred at FL-based Gulf Cable as Jonathan Gilmore was trying to guide electrical wiring cable into the machine.
A recent OSHA investigation found that the machine lacked the required guarding to prevent him from coming into contact with its moving parts. As a result, the company now faces $226,431 in fines.
In total, the Gulf Cable received 12 violations, including seven serious and one willful citation.
The willful citation relates to the company’s failure to install guards to prevent machine operators from coming into contact with the cable as it winds onto the spool.
The serious citations are because the company failed to install guardrails on all four sides of machinery in the pit area; and failing to repair or replace cut electrical wiring for the emergency-stop foot pedal, which exposed workers to electrical shock and electrocution hazards.
According to OSHA, Gulf Cable employs 110 workers at its facility in Milton FL. It often runs two separate 12-hour shifts with approximately 50 employees on each shift working seven days per week.
This is IEN Now with David Mantey.
