COLUMBUS, Ohio - An Ohio pallet maker has been fined nearly $200,000 after an employee suffered a finger amputation.

 

The amputation launched an investigation by OSHA, in which it fined Buckeye Diamond Logistics $191,794 for two repeated and four serious violations.

 

The amputation occurred while the employee operated an energized pallet stack machine. Investigators found that Buckeye failed to develop lockout/tag out procedures, install machine guards, and train employees to prevent machines from starting during service and maintenance and exposure to electrical hazards. Buckeye received similar violations in 2016 at two of its other Ohio facilities.

 

Buckeye has 15 days to either contest or comply with the penalties.