Madison Manufacturer Fined For Exposing Employees to Amputation Risks

A Madison-based manufacturer has been fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing employees to amputation hazards.

EP Heller Co., which manufactures carbide steel cutting tools, was cited for two “willful violations” for failure to properly guard machinery to protect employees from possible amputations, according to a news release from OSHA. The administration defines a willful violation as one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirement, or with plain indifference to employee safety and health.

In addition to the two willful violations, inspectors from OSHA identified 11 serious violations. The other violations included workers not medically evaluated, fit tested, and trained on the respirators provided for protection against metal dust, and lack of guarding on grinding machinery, according to OSHA.

“OSHA previously cited this company for the same amputation hazards involving the same machinery, yet it continues to jeopardize worker safety by not ensuring the proper safeguards are in place. The proposed penalties in this case reflect the severe nature of the cited hazards,” Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA’s Parsippany Area Office, said in the release. “OSHA remains committed to holding companies legally accountable for failing to uphold their responsibility to provide a safe and healthful workplace.”

EP Heller Co. has 15 business days from receipt of its OSHA citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Click to read the entire citation from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.