Following an investigation in December of 2013, the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Buchman Lumber Co. for 17 citations. These citations come with proposed penalties totaling $145,200. The investigation was initiated after a complaint was made relating to excessive noise and amputation hazards.

“OSHA’s inspection found multiple violations of procedures that protect workers from the serious hazards of exposure to excessive noise in the workplace and numerous amputation hazards. Employee exposure to excessive noise can lead to permanent, disabling injury,” said Mark Hysell, OSHA’s area director for Eau Claire. “In addition, injuries related to machinery and equipment often result in death or permanent disability. Employers have a responsibility to conduct hazard assessments of their workplaces, to implement proper procedures for equipment use, provide the necessary protective equipment and train workers in safe operation.”

The investigation uncovered 4 willful and 13 serious violations. The willful violations were for failing to administer a hearing conservation program; to provide eye and face protection to workers exposed to flying wood chips and boards; and to implement lockout/tagout procedures to prevent machines from turning on during maintenance and servicing.

As you can see, an injury is not always a precursor to an OSHA investigation. If your health and safety procedures are not properly updated and periodically reviewed, you are exposing yourself to a potential OSHA investigation. To help combat this, many business owners establish an auditing schedule with a qualified third party occupational safety and health auditing firm.

If you have any questions about how these findings can impact your business or how a third party audit could help protect your business, please contact us. And if you have anything to add about this investigation or the importance of a third party audit, please leave a comment.