A Texas manufacturer faces more than $107,000 in fines after state inspectors found the company exposed workers to amputation and chemical hazards.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), investigators inspected JFM International in Willis, Texas in September after receiving complaints from an employee. JFM International manufactures custom wire reel and reel components.
During the investigation, inspectors found machines with exposed rotating parts lacked safeguards to protect workers from amputation and serious injury. It was also discovered that employees were overexposed to noise — that can lead to hearing loss.
"JFM International must protect its employees from amputations by ensuring machinery has the proper guards," said Joann Figueroa, OSHA's area director in North Houston. "This company has to take a serious look at its current safety program and implement changes that keep workers out of harm's way."
The company was cited for three serious health violations, including not protecting workers from electrical and flammable chemical hazards as well as failing to record a workplace injury. Penalties of $107,952 have been proposed by OSHA.
The company has 15 business days from the receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.