Wisc. steel fabricator faces $100K+ in OSHA penalties
Koser Iron Works employees exposed to machine, fire and explosion hazards
Once again, workers were exposed to dangerous amputation hazards* while fabricating metal products because safety mechanisms were not in place at Koser Iron Works Inc. Responding to a complaint, OSHA inspectors found-- during an inspection initiated on Oct. 1, 2014 -- two willful, four repeated and 12 serious safety violations, including lack of training and personal protective equipment. The agency has proposed fines of $102,180 for the Barron, Wisconsin-based company.
"Workers pay the price when companies fail to follow safety standards," said Mark Hysell, OSHA's area director in Eau Claire. "Machine hazards are among the most frequently cited by OSHA. All manufacturers should examine their procedures to ensure they are in compliance. It takes seconds for a worker to be severely injured, but often a lifetime to recover."