Region 5 News Release: 13-1787-CHI
Sept. 9, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Hinkle Manufacturing faces $61,600 in proposed penalties from US
Department of Labor's OSHA after worker injured in Perrysburg, Ohio

PERRYSBURG, Ohio – Hinkle Manufacturing Inc. has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for a willful safety violation for failing to have machine guarding on multiple band saws at its Perrysburg production facility, which led to a worker suffering a laceration injury in May.

"Exposing workers to lacerations and possible amputation injuries by neglecting to ensure machine guarding is in place is unacceptable," said OSHA Area Director Kim Nelson in Toledo. "Companies must be aware of the hazards that exist in their facilities and take all possible precautions to minimize the risk of injury."

OSHA initiated its inspection in May after receiving a complaint alleging the injury. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Hinkle Manufacturing was cited for the same violation after a worker suffered a fingertip amputation by an unguarded band saw in March 2011.

The company employs 95 workers and produces custom-designed packaging for items such as automotive glass, bumpers and batteries.

The proposed penalties total $61,600. Hinkle Manufacturing has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Toledo office at 419-259-7542. To report workplace accidents, fatalities, or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.