U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Manufacturer For Safety Violations After Employee Injury
NORWALK, OH –
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited American Excelsior Company – based in Norwalk, Ohio – for machine guarding hazards after an employee required hospitalization when he suffered a crushed arm. Proposed penalties total $213,411.
OSHA investigators determined that the employee sustained injuries when the machine began operating while he removed product build-up. OSHA cited the company, which manufactures biodegradable erosion control blankets, for failing to develop or implement energy control procedures to prevent unintentional machine start-up during maintenance, and train employees in energy control procedures. American Excelsior Company received citations for similar violations at its Rice Lake, Wisconsin, plant in 2017. OSHA has also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
“This employer failed to implement safety procedures to prevent known hazards,” said OSHA Toledo Area Office Director Kimberly Nelson. “This injury could have been avoided if machine locking devices had been installed.”
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the 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.
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.
About Us
For more than a century, American Excelsior Company (AEC or American Excelsior) has manufactured and distributed products for packaging, cushioning, engineered foam specialties, erosion control, and a wide variety of engineered wood fibers. AEC’s nationwide manufacturing and distribution capabilities ensure efficient delivery from 8 distribution centers across the country.Company Overview
AEC’s facilities are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to guarantee quality production of a wide variety of wood fiber excelsior and straw products, foam cushioning, and engineered and molded foam specialty products. Our high caliber logistics team ensures timely delivery and distribution operations to meet customer needs and maximize efficiency, while a dedicated sales force remains focused on refining and delivering solutions to a broad range of businesses and customers worldwide.Headquartered in Arlington, TX, we pride ourselves on customer responsiveness and accessibility. Today, 8 distribution centers and 5 manufacturing plants across the country employ hundreds of people, all dedicated to providing our customers with the latest solutions to their packaging, custom foam, evaporative cooling, and erosion control needs.