OSHA has cited U.S. Nonwovens Corp. – a home and personal care fabric product manufacturer – for repeat and serious safety violations after an employee suffered a fractured hand at the plant in Hauppauge, New York. The company faces $287,212 in penalties.

Investigators determined the employee’s injury occurred when his hand became caught in a fabric-softener sheet-cutting machine. OSHA cited U.S. Nonwovens Corp. for lack of machine guards; failing to train and evaluate forklift operators on how to safely operate equipment, and provide training on lockout/tagout procedures. OSHA also cited the company for exposing employees to fire and smoke inhalation hazards, and failing to report an amputation, provide illness and injury records to OSHA in a timely manner, store materials securely, and repair damaged storage racks.

“Companies are required by law to train employees and provide appropriate measures to protect workers from workplace injuries,” said OSHA Long Island Area Director Anthony Ciuffo in Westbury, New York.

OSHA offers resources on safeguarding equipment, operating forklifts safely, and the requirements for reporting injuries.