Workers exposed to dangerous machine hazards at MCM Industries Co.

CLEVELAND — After an inspection found workers were exposed to amputation hazards from improperly guarded mechanical power presses, MCM Industries Co. has been cited for one willful and 17 serious safety and health violations. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed penalties of $126,700 for the Cleveland manufacturing plant, which produces special coiled steel products and springs for the transportation, automotive and agricultural industries.

"Power presses require a lot of operator involvement, which provides opportunities for serious injury and even death if extreme care and safety precautions are not in place," said Howard Eberts, OSHA's area director in Cleveland. "MCM Industries knew how dangerous these machines could be and failed to keep workers safe at this facility."

OSHA's March 27, 2014, inspection was initiated after a complaint. It found that workers were exposed to amputation injuries because mechanical power presses did not have required guards. The company was cited for one willful violation. A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

Other amputation hazards, such as lack of machine guarding and failure to implement specific lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machinery from operating during service and maintenance were found at the facility. In addition, MCM Industries failed to perform periodic inspections of the mechanical power presses; exposed workers to slips and falls from unguarded floor openings; failed to provide eye protection and to conduct annual fire extinguisher training; and did not label hazardous chemical containers properly.

A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

To view the citations, visit http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/MCMIndustriesCoInc_104722_104823.pdf

MCM Industries has headquarters in Highland Hills. In addition to the Cleveland cold steel facility, which employs 28 workers, the company has a warehouse facility in Oak Forest, Illinois, that provides products for Toyota Motor Corp., General Motors Co., Honda, Chrysler LLC and Deere & Co.

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 Cleveland Area Office at 216-447-4194.

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.