Carthage-based countertop maker Sims-Lohman has been cited by federal safety officials for its failure to protect workers cutting granite and other stone materials using heavy machinery.
Workers were exposed to amputation hazards when the company failed to ensure machine safety procedures were followed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The company operated machinery with missing or inadequate guarding and improperly stored flammable liquids, the agency said Thursday in a statement.
OSHA proposed penalties of $203,826 for three repeat safety violations. Sims Lohman was cited for similar violations in February 2020.
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.
“Sims Lohman failed to meet its obligation to develop machine safety programs and train workers on how to control hazardous energy to prevent serious injuries,” said OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery in Cincinnati. “Lack of adequate machine guarding remains one of OSHA’s most frequently cited hazards. Employers have a responsibility to continually review and update their procedures to ensure workers are protected on the job.”
Company officials said Thursday they are workingwith federal authorities and have already addressed the issues.
Sims Lohman operates six manufacturing facilities in Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee.
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