U.S. Department of Labor Cites Sawmill for Safety Violations
ST. JOSEPH, MO –
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed penalties of $199,183 to American Walnut Company LLC for two repeated and 14 serious safety violations. OSHA initiated an inspection of the St. Joseph sawmill after an employee suffered fatal injuries when he fell into a machine.
OSHA's safety investigation of the March 12, 2018, incident found the company failed to evaluate job hazards, control hazardous energy, and ensure machines were equipped with adequate guards. The investigation also found the company exposed workers to hazards associated with falls, ladders and electrical safety.
"Employers must continually evaluate job hazards and ensure safety guards are in use to protect workers from known hazards in their facilities," said OSHA Kansas City Area Office Director Karena Lorek. "Employers and workers with questions on OSHA standards can contact OSHA for guidance on creating an effective safety and health program."
Observed noise hazards prompted a subsequent health inspection in April 2018 that found the company exposed workers to hazards associated with combustible dust, noise and the use of chemicals in the facility.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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 help 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 https://www.osha.gov.
American Walnut Company LLC
In 1889, Robert Warren and Harry Little set up a sawmill in Kansas City, Kansas. This sawmill later became known as American Walnut Company. American Walnut Company was officially incorporated in 1924. From our humble beginnings, our company’s focus centers on American Black Walnut and other select hardwoods located in the Midwest. Our involvements include manufacturing walnut airplane propellers for WWI airplanes, Persimmon-wood golf clubs, and gunstocks over the last century.
For over thirty years we’ve practiced sustainable harvesting. We are implementing a program which will replenish the trees we harvest. In 1991, the company acquired the assets of Iowa-Missouri Walnut Company and a short time later acquired the assets of Walnut Products Company. We closed our Kansas City, Kansas location to expand in St. Joseph in 1993. In addition to being the world's largest provider of Black Walnut gunstocks, we also manufacture lumber, furniture squares and blanks and other specialty products. We now ship our products internationally to over 20 countries around the world.