NJ manufacturer cited after worker loses three fingers
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A New Jersey manufacturer has been assessed steep fines after a worker lost three fingers in a workplace accident in November.
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Wednesday that it cited Burlington, New Jersey-based United Hospital Supply Corp. for three willful violations, 17 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation and proposed penalties of $498,464 after a worker had three of his fingers amputated while operating a press brake that did not have required safety guards.
The willful violation was due to supervisors deliberately bypassing the press brake’s light curtain, which led to the amputations, OSHA stated.
The company was previously cited in 2010 and 2015, leading OSHA to place it in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Following a November inspection, OSHA said the company also exposed workers to welding fumes above permissible exposure levels.
The company, which produces metal products for hospitals, laboratories and schools, has 15 days to contest the latest citations and fines.
