Inspection Detail
Inspection: 908718.015 - Plasto-Tech Corporation
Inspection Information - Office: Toledo Area Office
Site Address:
Plasto-Tech Corporation
708 Lowell St.
Elyria, OH 44035
Mailing Address:
708 Lowell St., Elyria, OH 44035
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:
NAICS: 326121/Unlaminated Plastics Profile Shape Manufacturing
Inspection Type: Fat/Cat
Scope: Complete
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 05/28/2013
Emphasis: N:Svep
Case Closed: 01/13/2014
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 820550 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Current Violations | 3 | 3 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $21,000 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $21,000 |
| Current Penalty | $12,600 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $12,600 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001A | Serious | 19100147 C04 I | 09/10/2013 | 09/19/2013 | $4,200 | $7,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 2. | 01001B | Serious | 19100147 D01 | 09/10/2013 | 09/19/2013 | $0 | $0 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 3. | 01001C | Serious | 19100147 D02 | 09/10/2013 | 09/19/2013 | $0 | $0 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 4. | 01002 | Serious | 19100147 C06 I | 09/10/2013 | 09/19/2013 | $4,200 | $7,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement | ||
| 5. | 01003 | Serious | 19100212 A03 II | 09/10/2013 | 09/19/2013 | $4,200 | $7,000 | $0 | I - Informal Settlement |
Investigation Summary
At approximately 2:35 p.m. on May 24, 2013, Employee #1, was conducting prototype runs of a plastic mold with the assistance of Employee #2, the general manager, and Employee #3, the engineer. During the first few runs, wood blocks located inside the mold were being pulled out as the plastic was extracted from the mold. On the third run, the part pulled out some of the blocks. Employee #1 re-inserted the blocks using longer screws. On the fourth run, the part, again, pulled out some of the blocks and damaged the mold. It was determined that epoxy was needed to repair the mold and re-insert the blocks. Employee #1 began grinding the epoxy using an air grinder while positioned between the top of the mold and the turntable. During all of the runs, the press was not de-energized and the pneumatics which controlled the platen were not isolated. Employee #1 was positioned in the press with his lower torso between the mold and the turntable frame. The gate located in front of the mold station was not equipped with an interlock allowing the press to be operated with the gate open. This thermo former has several stations that operate together. The heat time/cycle time on the plastic was approximately six minutes and 40 seconds in the oven station which is directly before the mold station. Employee #1 was working in the mold station at the time of the accident. It was determined that the press was operating in Auto mode and when the station ran for the approximate six minutes and 40 seconds it timed out causing the platen to activate upward pinning Employee #1. Employee #3, who was assisting, was able to release and lower the platen. Employee #1 was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 4:18 PM on May 24, 2013.
Keywords: Caught In, Lockout/Tagout, Press
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 908718.015 | 56 | M | Fatality | Pressing machine operators |
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