Region 7 News Release: 11-363-KAN
March 23, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
E-mail: Kulczewski.Richard@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Metal Container Corp.
in Arnold, Mo., following employee amputation accidents
One worker lost fingers in machinery, another lost foot in forklift accident

ST. LOUIS – Metal Container Corp. in Arnold has been cited for one willful and 13 serious violations of federal safety standards set by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA initiated an inspection in October 2010 in response to a report of accidents at the facility, one in which an employee lost fingers in machinery and another in which an employee lost a foot in a forklift incident.

"There is no excuse for employees to be exposed to such hazards. Workers operating and working around machinery must be protected from potential dangers," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment for all of their employees to avoid serious accidents like these."

The willful citation was issued for hazards associated with unguarded machinery. A willful violation exists when an employer has demonstrated either an intentional disregard for the requirements of the law or plain indifference to employee safety and health.

The serious citations address hazards associated with exits, flammable/combustible materials, personal protective equipment, lockout/tagout of energy sources, forklift use, machine guarding and electrical deficiencies. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Proposed penalties for the citations total $107,200. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in St. Louis or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's St. Louis Area Office; telephone 314-425-4249. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audiotape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.