Region 6 News Release: DOL-OSHA-09-1536-DAL (439)
Dec. 30, 2009
Contact: Michael D'Aquino
Phone: 404-562-2076

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Broan Nu-Tone Storage Solutions in Cleburne, Texas, following amputation accident

CLEBURNE, Texas -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Broan Nu-Tone Storage Solutions LP for one alleged willful and four alleged serious violations following the amputation of a worker's hand at the company's Cleburne worksite. Proposed penalties total $91,000.

OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office began its investigation on Aug. 27 at the company's facility on South Willhite Street in Cleburne to investigate an accident involving the amputation of an employee's hand which resulted from operating a 150-ton mechanical power press. A willful citation was issued for failing to provide adequate machine guarding. OSHA issues a willful citation when an employer exhibits plain indifference to or intentional disregard for employee safety and health.

"If the employer had ensured the machine was adequately guarded, it is possible this tragic accident could have been avoided," said Zachary Barnett, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth, Texas.

Serious violations include failure to perform regular inspections of mechanical power presses, to provide adequate supervision while employees were working on hazardous equipment and to ensure adequate training was given for maintaining mechanical power press equipment. A serious violation is one in which there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

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

Employers and employees with questions about workplace safety and health may contact Fort Worth's Area Office at 817-428-2470. A toll-free hotline may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to employees; telephone 800-321-6742.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards; and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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