A Buford auto parts manufacturer is in trouble with federal officials following the job-related injuries of two workers earlier this year.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a press release Tuesday, saying officials have cited Elringklinger USA Inc. for exposing workers to electrical, fall, and noise hazards.
The proposed penalties for the 32 violations total $308,906.
According to the press statement, OSHA officials inspected the Buford-based auto parts manufacturer on May 2, 2017, after an employee performing maintenance on a screen print machine was injured. In another incident on July 7, 2017, a second worker suffered an amputation of the left index finger while making an adjustment on a punch press machine.
The investigations of the two incidents resulted in 29 serious and three other-than-serious violations. Among the violations were failure to install machine guarding, not preventing unauthorized employees from performing tasks that require the control of electrical hazards and failure to protect workers from excessive noise.
"The injuries these hazards caused could have been prevented if this company had implemented required safety procedures,” said OSHA Area Director William Fulcher in the statement. “Safe workplaces can be achieved if employees are properly protected and receive effective training.”
Elringklinger USA, Inc. 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.
