July 9, 2020

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Alabama Lumber and Flooring
Manufacturer After Employee Fatality at Selma Facility

MOBILE, AL – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Miller & Co. Inc. for failing to protect employees from struck-by hazards after a worker was fatally injured at the company's Selma, Alabama, facility. The lumber and flooring manufacturer faces $218,192 in penalties.

The employee was fatally struck by a piece of wood while attempting to clear a jammed machine. OSHA cited the company for failing to lockout equipment prior to beginning maintenance, ensure machines were properly guarded and train employees on lockout/tagout procedures. Miller & Co. had developed an alternative energy control procedure for clearing equipment jams after an employee suffered an amputation in 2018, but the company failed to implement the procedure.

"Employers are required to identify safety hazards, implement safety measures and train workers on the proper use of safety equipment," said OSHA Mobile Area Director Jose Gonzalez. "Tragedies such as this can be prevented if employers comply with workplace standards, as required by law."

OSHA's Machine Guarding webpage offers resources on protecting workers from amputations and safeguarding equipment.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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 https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contact:

Eric R. Lucero, 678-237-0630, lucero.eric.r@dol.gov

Release Number: 20-1247-ATL (291)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department's Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).