Aluminum plant showed 'total disregard for worker safety and health'
Employees at Matalco US Inc. in Canton were exposed to amputation, fall hazards and unsafe crane operations, according to an OSHA inspection which resulted in two willful, one repeat and two serious safety violations, carrying proposed penalties of $130,200. The inspection at the manufacturing facility that produces aluminum material for use in automotive rims and other parts was initiated following a complaint. The company has also been placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
"This company allowed workers to stand on blocks elevated by a forklift, and that's just one visible example of the total disregard for worker safety and health at this plant," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "By placing Matalco US in our Severe Violator Enforcement Program, OSHA is putting the company on notice that this is unacceptable."