Amputation Hazards: Pallet Manufacturer Faces $254K in Penalties for Ongoing Safety Violations

Photo byPIXABAY

M&H Crates Inc., an employee-owned pallet manufacturer based in Jacksonville, Texas, is once again under scrutiny by the U.S. Department of Labor for its repeated failure to protect workers from serious safety hazards. Despite being cited multiple times over more than a decade, the company continues to disregard federal safety regulations, particularly those designed to prevent amputation risks, leading to $254,527 in proposed penalties following a recent inspection.

A Decade of Non-Compliance: Ignoring Safety Standards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been closely monitoring M&H Crates since 2012, when the company was first cited for safety violations. Subsequent inspections in 2014, 2020, and 2022 revealed ongoing issues, including serious and willful violations related to unsafe machine operations, fall hazards, and inadequate training for workers on lockout/tagout procedures—critical measures that prevent machines from starting up unexpectedly during maintenance.

In February 2024, OSHA inspectors returned to the facility, only to find that the company had not corrected these long-standing issues. The lockout/tagout violations, in particular, were similar to those discovered in previous inspections, underscoring the company's persistent neglect of worker safety.

Lockout/tagout violations are the most frequently cited infractions in the manufacturing industry. These procedures are essential for protecting workers from the dangers of sudden machine starts or movements, which can lead to severe injuries or amputations. M&H Crates’ failure to address these hazards reflects a broader pattern of non-compliance that has now culminated in significant financial penalties.

OSHA's Response: Holding Employers Accountable

OSHA Area Director Greg Wynn in Dallas expressed frustration with M&H Crates' continued disregard for federal workplace safety standards. "M&H Crates Inc. continues to ignore its legal responsibility to comply with federal workplace safety standards," Wynn stated. "We will use all measures available to us to hold this company accountable for its continued willingness to expose employees to the serious dangers that exist in manufacturing workplaces."

The $254,527 in proposed penalties are intended to pressure M&H Crates into finally taking the necessary steps to ensure a safe working environment for its employees. The company’s history of violations, coupled with its failure to implement corrective measures despite repeated citations, demonstrates a troubling pattern of indifference to worker safety.

The Path Forward: Compliance or Consequences

Established in 1968, M&H Crates is an employee-owned business that manufactures and supplies pallets. As an employee-owned company, one might expect a strong commitment to worker safety; however, the ongoing violations suggest otherwise. OSHA’s persistent enforcement actions highlight the need for the company to prioritize the health and safety of its workforce, particularly in an industry where the risk of severe injury is high.

M&H Crates now has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply with OSHA’s requirements, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Failure to act could result in further legal and financial consequences, as OSHA remains committed to ensuring that all workers are protected from preventable hazards.

The Importance of Workplace Safety in Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry is fraught with potential dangers, particularly when it comes to the operation and maintenance of heavy machinery. Proper training, strict adherence to safety protocols, and the implementation of effective lockout/tagout procedures are essential for preventing accidents and safeguarding workers’ lives. Companies like M&H Crates must recognize that compliance with OSHA regulations is not just a legal obligation but a fundamental aspect of ethical business practice.

As OSHA continues to enforce safety standards across the manufacturing sector, employers are reminded of the serious implications of non-compliance. The case of M&H Crates serves as a cautionary tale for other companies that may be tempted to cut corners on safety: the cost of inaction can be measured not only in financial penalties but in the well-being of their employees.

For more information on OSHA regulations and workplace safety, visit OSHA’s official website.

By AUTISM LATINO MAGAZINE in Association with BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP

FOLLOW LIKE SHARE COMMENT

#autismlatino #autismlatinomagazine #news #health
#parents #kids #blockworkmediagroup #blockworkmedia #NYC #WorkplaceSafety #OSHA #ManufacturingSafety #EmployeeProtection #AmputationHazards #LockoutTagout #OSHACompliance #PalletManufacturing #WorkerSafety #SafetyViolations

DATA SOURCE: Department of Labor finds East Texas pallet manufacturer continues to defy federal safety regulations, expose workers to amputation hazards | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (osha.gov)