Lumber firm fails to protect workers from machine, other hazards: OSHA

U.S. workplace safety regulators have cited and proposed $189,221 in penalties against an Idaho lumber company for exposing employees to multiple workplace safety hazards.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Athol, Idaho-based Merritt Bros. Lumber Co. Inc. for failing to use machine guards on trim saws and conveyors, install handrails on stairways and walkways, use lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy, and train employees on hazardous chemicals, according to a statement published Thursday. OSHA also cited the company for allowing sawdust and other combustible materials to accumulate.

“This employer’s repeated failure to correct known safety hazards is putting their employees at risk for serious and potentially fatal injuries,” David Kearns, OSHA’s Boise, Idaho, area office director, said in the statement.

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.