LI Company Fined $200K After Worker's Hand Amputation

LONG ISLAND, NY — A Long Island-based fabric manufacturer agreed to correct multiple safety violations and pay $200,000 in penalties after a worker's hand was amputated in a shop mishap, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced this week.

Last July, OSHA cited U.S. Nonwovens Corp. for violations at the Hauppauge and Brentwood facilities after an employee's hand was amputated following an incident involving a fabric-softener sheet-cutting machine. Violations included lack of machine guards and failure to store materials securely, OHSA said. The company was also ordered to repair damaged storage racks and train and evaluate forklift operators on safely operating equipment.

The agreement covers three company locations in Brentwood, and one each in Commack and Hauppauge.

The company was also cited for potential fire and smoke inhalation hazards due to obstructed exit routes, an inoperable exit door, and failing to report the worker's hand amputation to OSHA.

"As a result of the department’s vigorous enforcement efforts, an employer with a history of safety violations has recognized its responsibilities going forward and made robust and enforceable commitments to worker safety across its workplaces," said regional Solicitor of Labor Jeffrey S. Rogoff.

U.S. Nonwovens Corp. initially contested the citations and penalties but has now reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Labor. The company agreed to correct the safety hazards, comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act, pay $200,000 in penalties, and take additional steps to enhance compliance and safety at its five New York facilities.

Those steps include:

• Employing a safety and health director to oversee company facilities and establishing a labor-management safety committee to oversee safety and health policies.
• Conducting an assessment of machine guarding and implementing recommended changes.
• Retaining an independent consultant to examine the structural integrity of racks, and distribute policies and procedures for safe storage and stacking.
• Performing and documenting daily emergency exit inspections.
• Performing comprehensive inspections of fuel tanks, charging stations and training certification for all forklift operators, and inspecting the forklift program, at least twice per year.
• Establishing, maintaining and notifying employees of a toll-free number to report safety concerns and suggestions anonymously.

"This agreement commits the company to long-term safety improvements for workers at all of its New York facilities," said OSHA Long Island Area Director Kevin Sullivan. "U.S. Nonwovens Corp. has responded to OSHA’s inspection and citations by agreeing to implement corrective measures to better protect the safety and health of all employees."