Region 5 News Release:   181
Date: April 18, 2002
Contact: Jule A. Jones
Phone: (419) 259-7542

TOLEDO, Ohio -- Failure to safely de-energize machinery during set-up operations may have contributed to an accidental amputation in October at Ohio Valley Manufacturing of 500 Newman St., Mansfield, Ohio, according to citations issued to the company by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA is proposing a total fine of $176,250 for a variety of workplace safety hazards at the metal stamping plant, as a result of an inspection the Labor Department agency opened on Oct. 9, 2001 following the accident. OSHA cited the automotive supplier for willful violations of worker safety and health regulations covering lockout and de-energizing machinery during set-up operations, failing to train workers in those procedures and for machine-guard failures.

OSHA also issued serious citations involving fire exit issues, safety problems with gas cylinders, protective eye equipment, forklift operations and power press operations.

Jule A. Jones, area director of the Toledo OSHA office, said that the company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to contest OSHA's action before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, to request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or accept the citations and penalties.

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