US Department of Labor's OSHA fines Waco, Texas-based Trautschold
Millwork more than $75,000 for exposing workers to possible amputations

WACO, Texas – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Trautschold Millwork Ltd. for 22 serious and two other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to potential amputations at the company's worksite in Waco. Proposed penalties total $75,525.

OSHA's Fort Worth Area Office began its inspection of the Franklin Avenue facility on Nov. 16, 2010, as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. The planned inspection found that employees working on or around hazardous machinery were not properly protected.

"This company exposed its employees to numerous safety hazards that could result in serious injuries," said Zachary Barnett, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA's standards must be followed to prevent the loss of limb and life."

The serious violations include failing to provide adequate guarding on hazardous machinery such as sanders, saws, grinders and staple guns; ensure workers were protected from electrical hazards such as explosive proof wiring; provide training for employees who operate forklifts; ensure the use of respiratory and personal protective equipment; and provide a written personal protective equipment hazard assessment. 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.

The other-than-serious violations include failing to meet OSHA's standards that apply to emergency exits and to provide training on the use of a fire extinguisher. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Trautschold Millwork, which specializes in custom millwork, doors, cabinets and windows, employs about 31 workers. The company has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Fort Worth or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Employers and employees with questions about workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Fort Worth office at 817-428-2470. 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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