This website uses cookies primarily for visitor analytics. Certain pages will ask you to fill in contact details to receive additional information. On these pages you have the option of having the site log your details for future visits. Indicating you want the site to remember your details will place a cookie on your device. To view our full cookie policy, please click here. You can also view it at any time by going to our Contact Us page.
OSHA’s investigation International Cushioning Co. in Fremont, Ohio on 10 February 2022 after learning of the employee’s injury and receiving a referral by the local fire department alleging fire hazards due to poor housekeeping of combustibles and flammables. During the investigation, OSHA learned the worker was removing polyethylene foam from an extruding machine when a static discharge ignited isobutane, a colourless, flammable gas released in the production process. The heated foam melted on the employee's arm, causing second-degree burns. Inspectors also found industrial fans positioned on the foam line were not properly rated for use in hazardous atmospheres, and that the employer failed to provide workers with spark-resistant hand tools – violations that exposed workers to potential ignition hazards. The company also failed to provide adequate protective equipment for the workers' hands, arms and feet. "A young worker might have been spared these serious injuries if International Cushioning Company met specific federal standards for the safe operation of foam manufacturing equipment," said OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen in Toledo. "During our initial inspection in Fremont, inspectors found additional issues and identified more than two dozen violations and related hazards the company must address before other employees are harmed." "This company must address what appears to be a workplace culture where employee safety is not emphasized and workers are exposed to serious injuries," Jensen added. "We will use all enforcement powers at our disposal to protect workers." The February inspection also led OSHA to cite the company for failing to report an injury within 24 hours, as required; allowing operation of machinery, including grinders, pulleys and belts, without required safety guards; lacking machine safety procedures, commonly known as lockout/tagout; failing to train employees as required; not ensuring use of electrical safe work practices; and permitting unsafe operation of powered industrial vehicles. A March 2 health inspection found unsanitary conditions and process safety management violations. Inspectors also learned the company did not have a hearing conservation program or an emergency action plan. In all, OSHA issued citations for 25 serious safety and health violations and proposed $177,950 in penalties.
Print this page | E-mail this page
NEW precision moisture sensors for hazardous environments
© 2022 IML Group PLC. All rights reserved.