Federal officials are proposing a $70,000 fine for a Wisconsin manufacturing plant after a machine crushed a worker's hand and partially amputated his thumb.
The U.S. Department of Labor said Thursday Loparex LLC has been cited for one safety violation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA initiated the inspection last May after receiving information about the accident at the Hammond, Wisconsin plant.
OSHA's inspection found the worker's gloved hand was pulled into a moving part on a laminating machine as he tried to wipe dripping liquid from a mold. The report said machine guards were inadequate.
Loparex, based in Cary, North Carolina, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the findings.
