MARATHON, Wi. - Menzner Lumber and Supply Company will have to pay $260,113 in penalties after the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) discovered a series of safety violations after a worker lost some of his finger in June.
While servicing a machine, a 24-year-old Menzner Lumber employee suffered a partial amputation of his right middle finger. Upon an investigation, OSHA found workers were not properly trained in servicing and performing machine maintenance and in how to properly isolate energy sources while setting up. Investigators also found several machines did not have proper safeguards.
OSHA investigators found 14 safety violations, seven of which are considered to be serious. Officials found electrical safety violations, lack of guarding on ladder wells to prevent falls, and inadequate energy control procedures at the facility.
Menzner has been investigated previously for other employee injuries. A 25-year-old employee’s left middle finger was severed on April 2, 2015, and a 34-year-old worker lost the tip of his right thumb on Jan. 12, 2015, when each came in contact with machine operating parts.
“Despite earlier machine-related injuries, OSHA found several machines at the company lacked adequate safeguards to prevent workers from coming in contact with operating parts,” said Robert Bonack, OSHA’s local area director. “Menzner Lumber & Supply should immediately re-evaluate its safety and health programs and ensure their workers are properly trained.”
With 300 employees across four states, Menzner manufacturers hardwoods, veneers, moldings and other wood products. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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