OSHA cites Emanual Tire following worker amputation

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Emanual Tire of Pennsylvania for alleged workplace safety and health violations, proposing $51,650 in penalties.

OSHA initiated its investigation on March 25 after a worker suffered an amputation during a workplace accident. As a result, the company has been cited for 38 serious violations, with a penalty of $50,750, and three other-than-serious violations, with a $900 penalty.

The serious violations include unguarded machinery, inadequate training, failure to develop energy control (lockout/tagout) and hazard communication programs, obstructed emergency stop buttons, a lack of hand rails on industrial stairs and failure to prohibit workers from riding on a conveyor. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

"Without proper machine guarding, Emanual Tire workers will continue to be at risk of future workplace accidents," said Jean Kulp, area director of OSHA's office in Allentown, Pa. "It is imperative that the company abate all identified hazards as soon as possible."

The Conshohocken company recycles truck and car tires, and employs 26 workers.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission