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Packaging Supplier Fined $151K After Amputation

A Mauser Packaging Solutions employee suffered an amputation in September while cleaning a machine.

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LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited BWay Corp. – doing business as Mauser Packaging Solutions – for workplace safety and health hazards after an employee suffered an amputation on Sept. 26, 2019, at the Lawrence Township, New Jersey, facility. The company faces $151,329 in penalties.

OSHA initiated the inspection after being notified that an employee was cleaning a machine when the amputation occurred. The agency cited BWay Corp. for two repeated and two serious violations for failing to use lockout/tagout procedures to protect employees from hazardous energy. OSHA cited the company for similar violations at multiple facilities between 2016 and 2019.

"Workers servicing or maintaining machines are at risk of serious injury, including amputations, if hazardous energy is not properly controlled," said OSHA Marlton Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick. "This company must correct the hazards identified to protect workers' safety."

OSHA offers guidance on lockout/tagout requirements to control hazardous energy.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citationsand penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Area Director or contest the findings before the independentOccupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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