January 17, 2024

US Department of Labor cites Itasca parts manufacturer for multiple machine safety violations, exposing workers to amputation, other injuries

Walker Midwest LLC faces $298K in penalties

ITASCA, IL ‒ An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found an Itasca manufacturer failed to guard industrial equipment, develop a lockout/tagout program and train workers on machine safety procedures, exposing them to multiple injuries and amputation hazards.

During a July inspection at Walker Midwest LLC ‒ opened after receiving a complaint related to hazards under the National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries ‒ OSHA found workers operating numerous unguarded industrial machines. The lack of guarding exposed workers to the machines’ points of operation and danger zones during production. The inspection also identified employees engaged in maintenance and servicing activities on the machines without lockout/tagout procedures.

OSHA cited the company for one willful and 13 serious violations – all involving required machine safety procedures – and proposed $298,453 in penalties.

"Failing to train workers on machine safety procedures and allowing them to operate unguarded machines is inviting disaster," said OSHA Area Director Jacob Scott in Naperville. "Lockout/tagout procedures have been an OSHA and industry standard for decades and there is no excuse for any manufacturer to fail to develop, implement and train workers in these safety procedures."

Walker Midwest is a division of Walker Stamping of Ontario, California, which was founded in 1954. The company is a custom manufacturer providing metal stampings, fabrication, springs and other products for various commercial industries such as automotive, aircraft, solar and consumer electronics.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and 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.

Learn more about OSHA, lockout/tagout procedures and the National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries.

Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov 
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-4807, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 24-48-CHI