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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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Region 6 News Release: OSHA-05-1073-DAL Wednesday, June 22, 2005 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221 Searcy Washer and Dryer Manufacturer Fined $67,500 for Safety and Health Violations
SEARCY, Ark. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Maytag Searcy Laundry Products in Searcy, Ark., and proposed penalties totaling $67,500 for failing to protect workers from improperly maintained and guarded machinery. OSHA cited the company for one willful and one serious violation following an investigation that began March 2 when the agency received a complaint that a worker's hand had been amputated by a machine. "The press brake, a metal forming machine, double-cycled when it should not have, just when the worker's hand was in the point of operation," said Paul J. Hansen, Little Rock area director. "By not following OSHA standards, the employer exposed workers to unnecessary hazards." The employer received a willful citation for failing to: ensure that the press brake was equipped with anti-repeat features; conduct and maintain inspection records of the press brake, and properly train employees on the operation of a press brake. OSHA issues a willful citation when there is evidence of the intentional violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or plain indifference to its requirements. The serious citation was for failing to properly guard the press brake. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. Maytag, a manufacturer of washers and dryers, employs about 600 workers in Searcy. Headquartered in Newton, Iowa, Maytag employs about 12,000 workers company-wide. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA Little Rock area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards may contact OSHA's Little Rock Area Office at (501) 324-6291 or may call OSHA's toll-free hotline number at 1-800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing an imminent danger to workers. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
| NOTICE: This is an OSHA Archive Document, and may no longer represent OSHA Policy. It is presented here as historical content, for research and review purposes only. |
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OSHA News Release - (Archived) Table of Contents |