Still Unguarded Bandsaws Lead To Another Injury

Perrysburg, OH (WorkersCompensation.com) - Hinkle Manufacturing Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for a willful safety violation for failing to have machine guarding on multiple band saws at its Perrysburg production facility, which led to a worker suffering a laceration injury in May.

"Exposing workers to lacerations and possible amputation injuries by neglecting to ensure machine guarding is in place is unacceptable," said OSHA Area Director Kim Nelson in Toledo. "Companies must be aware of the hazards that exist in their facilities and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of injury."

OSHA initiated its inspection in May after receiving a complaint alleging the injury. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Hinkle Manufacturing was cited for the same violation after a worker suffered a fingertip amputation by an unguarded band saw in March 2011.

The company employs 95 workers and produces custom-designed packaging for items such as automotive glass, bumpers and batteries.

The proposed penalties total $61,600. Hinkle Manufacturing has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

Share This Article: