OSHA cites Illinois vehicle manufacturer McLaughlin Body Co. for exposing workers to amputation hazards

MOLINE, Ill. — McLaughlin Body Co. has been cited for exposing workers to amputation hazards at the company's two plants in Rock Island and East Moline. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated the inspections in March 2014 after receiving complaints alleging unsafe working conditions at both plants. The inspection found nine serious violations carrying proposed penalties of $43,000.

"Manufacturers that operate dangerous industrial equipment must be aware of the hazards workers face daily while working with this machinery. It is an employer's job to ensure that its workforce is adequately trained and protected," said Tom Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria.

Many of the serious violations involve failing to protect workers from moving machinery parts during servicing or maintenance, including failing to train workers to recognize hazards and the proper machine lockout procedures. Equipment lacked adequate machine guards designed to prevent injuries, such as amputations. Amputation hazards are among OSHA's most frequently cited violations.

Other violations involved failure to train workers on confined space requirements and proper operation of powered industrial vehicles. An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known exists.

McLaughlin Body Co. engineers and fabricates vehicle cabs, enclosures and metal components for agricultural, construction and military use and for heavy-duty vehicles.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Peoria office at 309-589-7033.

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.