Wisconsin Company Fined $130.5K after Worker’s Arm Amputated

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Rexnord Industries LLC in Milwaukee, Wis., with $130,500 in proposed penalties for violating federal workplace safety standards after a mechanical power press operator, removing parts from a parts dumper, had her arm amputated when the machine unexpectedly began to operate.

As a result of a January 2010 inspection, OSHA has issued Rexnord one willful, six serious and one repeat citation. The willful citation, with a proposed penalty of $70,000, is for failing to provide proper guarding on the mechanical power presses to prevent an amputation.

Some of the six serious citations, with proposed penalties of $25,500, include failing to provide proper machine guarding and to conduct regular, periodic and weekly inspections of mechanical power presses and electrical hazards.

The company also received a $35,000 proposed fine for a repeat violation because it failed to provide proper protection to its employees working on metal cutting band saws and lathes.

The company, which manufactures transmissions and conveying equipment, employs more than 5,300 workers at 22 facilities in the United States.

Rexnord 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.

Source: OSHA