US Labor Department's OSHA cites Marshfield DoorSystems in Wisconsin
after employee is injured by conveyor belt lacking proper machine guards

MARSHFIELD, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Marshfield DoorSystems Inc. [PDF* 136 KB] with one repeat and two alleged serious violations after a worker's hand became caught in an ingoing nip point on a conveyor belt line in March, resulting in contusions, abrasions and friction burns. Proposed penalties total $46,200.

"Installing proper machine guarding is a basic safety precaution that Marshfield DoorSystems should have taken for the protection of its workers," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "We are committed to ensuring that employers adhere to OSHA's common-sense standards in order to prevent avoidable injuries, such as this one."

The repeat violation, with a proposed penalty of $33,000, was cited for failing to train workers in lockout/tagout procedures to control energy sources for equipment on conveyor belt line number one. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Marshfield DoorSystems was cited for failing to provide training on lockout/tagout procedures in 2009.

The serious violations, with proposed penalties of $13,200, involve failing to inspect energy control procedures within the past year and to install guarding to protect workers from an exposed nip point on the conveyor. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Prior to OSHA's most recent inspection, which was opened in March following the injury, the Marshfield-based company had been inspected 13 times since 2001. Those inspections resulted in 27 citations, including some for violations of lockout/tagout and machine guarding standards.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Madison Area Office at 608-441-5388. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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