OSHA cites furniture maker after saw blade amputation
OSHA

LAGRANGE, Ga. - Tritter Feefer Home Collection LLC has been ordered by OSHA to pay more than $50,000 in fines after a worker amputated the tip of his finger on an unguarded saw blade.

The LaGrange, Georgia-based residential furniture manufacturer was cited on May 10 for one willful and four serious safety violations, totaling $58,520. The investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration stems from a Dec. 14, 2015, injury in which a 26-year-old employee's right hand came in contact with the table saw blade while cutting strips of wood. According to the report, the middle finger tip was amputated and the man suffered deep cuts to his index finger and thumb.

Tritter was cited for a willful violation in exposing workers after OSHA noted the saw's safety guards had been removed. The proposed penalty for this violation is $53,900.

"This horrific and totally preventable injury is a stark reminder of the dangers of disregarding OSHA standards," said Christi Griffin, OSHA's director of the Atlanta-West Office. "Aside from the saw that injured the worker, we found other unguarded machines and hazards that Tritter must address immediately, before another incident happens."

The company also received citations totaling $4,620 for serious violations. OSHA said Tritter failed to ensure the drill presses were properly guarded and secured to the floor and that the company exposed workers to electric shock and fire hazards from improper wiring and unsafe installation.

Founded in 2007, Tritter Feefer employs nearly 50 workers at the LaGrange facility. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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About the author
Karen Koenig | Editor

Karen M. Koenig has more than 30 years of experience in the woodworking industry, including visits to wood products manufacturing facilities throughout North America, Europe and Asia. As editor of special publications under the Woodworking Network brand, including the Red Book Best Practices resource guide and website, Karen’s responsibilities include writing, editing and coordinating of editorial content. She is also a contributor to FDMC and other Woodworking Network online and print media owned by CCI Media. She can be reached at [email protected]