OSHA cites pallet maker for worker injury from machine

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a pallet manufacturer for machine safety violations after an employee was injured while performing maintenance on equipment and proposed $91,832 in penalties.

An OSHA inspection last October found that New Lenox, Illinois-based Supplyside USA, which operates as Prime Woodcraft Inc., failed to install adequate machine guards, implement energy control procedures to prevent equipment from unintentional operation, and train workers about noise hazards. OSHA cited the pallet manufacturer for two repeated, six serious and three other-than-serious violations, the department said Wednesday in a statement.

“Too often, employees are injured because companies lack adequate machine safety procedures and safeguards,” Kathy Webb, Chicago-based OSHA South area office director, said in the statement. “Employers have a responsibility to evaluate their workplaces for hazards and ensure safe operations.”

Supplyside USA could not be immediately reached for comment.