A New Jersey manufacturer has been hit with a hefty fine after a worker lost three fingers in a workplace accident in November.
The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced Wednesday that it cited Burlington, New Jersey-based United Hospital Supply Corp. for three willful violations, 17 serious violations and one non-serious violation and proposed penalties of $498,464 after a worker had three of his fingers amputated while operating a press brake that did not require safety guards.
The willful violation resulted from supervisors intentionally bypassing the press brake light curtain, which led to the amputations, OSHA said.
The company was previously cited in 201
0 and 2015, leading OSHA to place it in its Serious Violation Program.After an inspection in November, OSHA said the company also exposed workers to welding fumes above allowable exposure levels.
The company, which makes metal products for hospitals, laboratories and schools, has 15 days to contest the latest citations and fines.
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