OSHA cites US Cotton in Cleveland for exposing workers to amputation hazards by failing to guard machines

2012 - 08/07/2012 - US Labor Department's OSHA cites US Cotton in Cleveland for exposing workers to amputation hazards by failing to guard machines: CLEVELAND – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited U.S. Cotton LLC for six violations, including one willful violation for failing to guard swab machines to prevent amputation injuries. OSHA initiated an inspection in February at the company's Cleveland facility after a worker alleged having a finger amputated. Proposed fines total $133,100.

Specifically, the willful violation involves failing to guard the transfer wheels of 54 swab machines to prevent workers from coming into contact with nip points, rotating parts and shearing/crushing areas. A willful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health.