The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Organization has cited a Georgia insulation manufacturer after a 21-year-old worker suffered severe head trauma when he was caught in a machine’s roller.
Bonded Logic Inc., in Lafayette, Georgia, was cited for multiple willful, repeat and serious violations and now faces fines of more than $423,400, OSHA said in a bulletin this week.
Agency inspectors found the employer willfully failed to develop and use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from sudden starts or movements during maintenance and did not control the release of stored energy while machines were serviced.
Inspectors identified repeat violations for not installing safety guards on machines and for failing to certify forklift operators. OSHA also and cited the company for failing to:
- Identify permit-required confined spaces and develop and implement a permit-required confined space program and training for workers.
- Ensure energy-control devices were applied to all energy sources during maintenance or servicing.
- Maintain proper guarding of chains and sprockets on machinery.
“Bonded Logic put profits before safety and now a young worker must cope with the aftermath of a horrible and preventable injury,” said OSHA Area Office Director Jeffery Stawowy. “The employer’s failure to develop and ensure the use of lockout procedures for employees who work near and perform maintenance on dangerous machinery is hard to comprehend.”
The agency had inspected Bonded Logic in 2018 and 2021, and issued three serious and five other violations for lack of eye protection, machine guarding, housekeeping, and for issues with powered industrial trucks and confined spaces.
Bonded Logic. manufactures thermal and acoustical insulation products for multiple industries.
The company has 15 business days to comply with the OSHA citation, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Related: Georgia House Votes to Raise Maximum Weekly Workers’ Comp Benefits
Topics Georgia
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
‘Great Resignation’ Enters Third Year as Workers Embrace AI, Upskilling, PwC Says 
Big ‘I’ Report: Independent Agency Channel Placed 62% of Premiums in 2023 
As Rates Rise, Majority of Homeowners Say Insurance Industry Is in Crisis: Survey 
Three Charged With Helping Agents Cheat on Florida Insurance License Exams 
