An OSHA inspection conducted after an employee at a mattress spring manufacturer was hospitalized with serious injuries found that the company exposed its workers to crushing hazards from manufacturing equipment that was not properly guarded.

L&P Springs Manufacturing LLC of Colorado Springs, Colorado was issued a willful violation was cited for exposing workers to crushing hazards while working with manufacturing equipment that was not properly guarded. A serious citation was issued for failing to train workers effectively on the use and limitations of work gloves when working with manufacturing equipment and moving material.

The employee was injured after being pulled into a machine that compresses, rolls, and wraps finished innerspring pads.

“Injuries from improperly guarded machines are preventable and yet L&P failed to provide these guards to protect its workers," said David Nelson, OSHA's Area Director in Englewood, Colorado. "The best way to stop these injuries is to equip machinery with the proper guards according to OSHA standards."

L&P manufactures components and products for the bedding industry.