OSHA: Inadequate Machine Guarding Caused Worker's Death

An OSHA investigation of the death of a worker at Sulzer Metco Coatings, a Barboursville, West Virginia coatings plant, found that the lathe machinery involved in the incident was not properly guarded. OSHA cited the company for this as well as for a number of other serious violations including blocked exit routes, lack of proper fire protection equipment and training, lack of a hazard communication program, unsafe levels of noise and for not providing adequate means to ensure supplied air for respirators is of breathing quality.

Several OSHA citations also involved the toxic chemical hexavalent chromium, including surface contamination, lack of protective gear for skin exposure and improper cleaning techniques for areas where the chemical was present.

OSHA proposed fines of $56,250 for the violations.