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OSHA cites Loren Cook Co. of Springfield, Mo. $ 511, 000 after the death of a worker

Springfield, Mo. - The U.S Department of Labor’s OSHA has cited seven alleged willful and three alleged serious violation to Loren Cook Co. after a worker was killed by an ejected machine part on May 13.

“Loren Cook Co. willfully allowed employees to work on dangerous equipment without safeguarding the machinery and exposed workers to debris ejected while operating manual spinning lathes,” was said by Jordan Barab, an acting Assistant Secretary of OSHA. “It is compulsory that employer take steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment.”

Seven willful citations at $70,000 each proposed for failing to guard seven manual spinning lathes, with a proposed penalty of $490,000. A willful violation is issued by OSHA when an employer exhibits plain indifference to or any intentional disregard for employee’s safety and health.

Total of $21,000for three serious citations with penalties are proposed for absence of adequate personal protective equipment for worker’s face, hands and extremities. A serious citation is issued by OSHA when any death or serious physical harm is likely to result from a hazard about which an employer knew or should have known.

The proposed fines total up-to $511,000.

Loren Cook is known for manufacturing industrial ventilation equipment and employs 800 workers, with about 580 are located the Springfield and the rest at a North Carolina site.

The company has now 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request for an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Kansas City, Mo., or contest findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA’s role is to promote safety and healthy working conditions for the people living in America by setting and enforcing standards and proving education and training.

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