The following article about a company cited after an employee lost a finger by reaching into a moving machine, is from the July 15 OSHA QuickTakes. Employees should never be reaching into moving machines. We have seen companies where that practice is not discouraged, especially to “quickly clear jams.” Unfortunately, it was often met with dire consequences, with fingers amputated. No matter how quick an employee thinks he is, machines are faster than people.
Glass plant cited for lockout/tag out violations following amputation
OSHA cited Ardagh Glass Inc. for one willful and one serious safety violation after a worker suffered a finger amputation and crushed hand while removing a glass mold from a bottle-shaping machine at the company’s facility in Warner Robins, Ga. OSHA initiated an inspection in response to the incident under its National Emphasis Program on Amputations. Proposed penalties total $77,000.
The willful violation involves failing to develop and utilize lockout/tagout procedures when workers are performing service and setup operations on equipment. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.
Read the news release for more information.