Federal regulators have cited a Kearney manufacturing plant for workplace safety violations they say led to an employee suffering acute kidney failure.
The Kearney Hub reports that Eaton Corp. faces a $7,000 fine for the July incident. A federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection says the 53-year-old employee was operating industrial machinery when the heat index reached 101 degrees, causing his kidneys to shut down. He was hospitalized for more than 24 hours.
OSHA says Eaton failed to protect workers from exposure to excessive heat, a serious violation.
Jim Michels, manager of global business communication for the Eaton Vehicle Group, says the company strongly disagrees with OSHA's findings and is working with federal regulators.
The Kearney plant manufactures gears and intake and exhaust valves for vehicle engines.
