Federal workplace safety regulators have proposed more than $413,000 in penalties after citing a Missouri-based barrel maker for multiple workplace safety hazards.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said it cited Missouri Cooperage Company LLC ‒ a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company ‒ for exposing employees to amputation, noise, and other safety and health hazards at the spirits and wine barrel-making facility in Lebanon, Missouri. The company faces $413,370 in federal penalties.
OSHA initiated an inspection in February 2019 after Missouri Cooperage Company LLC reported that an employee suffered a finger amputation when her hand was caught between the belt and pulley system. This was the fifth amputation injury the company reported in a 14-month period. Inspectors cited the company for operating an unguarded chain and sprocket – the same violation for which OSHA cited the company in February 2018.
OSHA also cited the company for exposing employees to electrical and occupational noise hazards, failing to guard machines and implement adequate lockout/tagout procedures, and creating a potential fire hazard by allowing dust to accumulate on floors and surfaces.
The company 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.
Source: OSHA
Topics Commercial Lines Workers' Compensation Business Insurance Missouri
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
Workers Sue Disney, Say They Were Wrongly Induced to Move to Florida 
Supreme Court Overturns Chevron Rule in Blow to Regulators 
Zurich to Buy AIG’s Travel Insurance Business for $600 Million 
Home Insurance at $10,000 a Year Shows California Buyers’ Pain 
