Dec. 21, 2017

Vinyl Floor Manufacturer Faces $514,236 in Penalties for Safety Violations
U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Company After 2 Workers Suffer Injuries

FOSTORIA, OH – Nox US LLC, an Ohio manufacturer of luxury vinyl tile, faces $514,236 in proposed penalties after inspectors from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the company for machine safety violations.

OSHA responded to two separate reports of employee injuries in June 2017. One employee required surgery after his hand was crushed in a tile machine. Less than two weeks later, another employee suffered partial amputations of two fingers while working on a recycle material system. OSHA cited the company for failing to use adequate lockout/tagout procedures and devices to prevent unintentional machine movement, failure to train employees, and exposing employees to fall hazards. The company has been placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

“When dangerous machines are not properly guarded or de-energized, employees face an increased risk of serious injuries,” said OSHA Area Office Director Kim Nelson, in Toledo. “Employers must monitor their facilities continuously to ensure workplace safety and health procedures are adequate and effective.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

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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Media Contacts:

Scott Allen, 312-353-4727, allen.scott@dol.gov
Rhonda Burke, 312-353-6976, burke.rhonda@dol.gov

Release Number: 17-1623-CHI