US Department of Labor Cites Green Bay Manufacturer for Safety Violations
Green Bay, WI – The US Department of Labor has cited Tufco LP, a household cleaning products manufacturer, for safety violations after an employee suffered an amputation. The company has been fined $194,000 for failing to implement adequate machine guarding and safety procedures.
Amputation Incident
In August 2023, an employee at Tufco LP had their fingertip amputated while clearing a pump’s outfeed. The investigation conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the product lines were not locked out or shut down, exposing the worker to the pumps’ point of operation.
Safety Violations
OSHA inspectors found that Tufco LP lacked written lockout/tagout procedures to prevent employees from coming into contact with moving machine parts. Additionally, employees were not adequately trained on these procedures when assigned to a new production area. The company also failed to implement proper machine guarding and a respiratory protection program. Similar machine hazards were previously cited in 2019 and 2021.
The citations included one repeat, four serious, and two other-than-serious violations. The proposed penalties amount to $194,518.
Preventing Workplace Injuries
Employers are urged to prioritize the health and safety of workers by implementing proper safety measures. To limit worker exposures to machine hazards, OSHA recommends the following:
- Implement written lockout/tagout procedures to prevent contact with moving machine parts.
- Provide adequate training on safety procedures, especially when employees are reassigned to different production areas.
- Ensure machines have proper guarding to protect workers from potential hazards.
- Develop and implement a respiratory protection program if necessary.
By following these guidelines, employers can minimize the risk of workplace injuries and create a safer working environment for their employees.
About Tufco LP
Tufco LP is a Green Bay-based manufacturer of household cleaning and laundry products, including sanitation wipes, laundry scent beads, and dryer sheets.
The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For more information about OSHA and its guidelines on machine guarding and control of hazardous energy, visit the official OSHA website.