New Jersey Manufacturer Fined for Failing to Correct Machine Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Bravo Pak Inc. for failing to abate hazards at its Pennsauken, N.J., facility. The company owes $259,760 in penalties.

In June 2019, OSHA cited the shipping supplies manufacturer after an attempt to clear a jammed machine resulted in an amputation of a worker’s fingers. Investigators found Bravo Pak Inc. failed to develop and implement a lockout/tagout program to address the unexpected start-up of a machine during servicing and failed to ensure proper machine guarding.

The company agreed to correct the hazards. When Bravo Pak Inc. failed to provide OSHA with verification of the hazards’ corrections, the agency initiated a follow-up inspection on Sept. 30, 2019.

“This employer’s failure to follow required safety standards continues to put workers at risk for serious injuries,” said OSHA Marlton Area Office Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in a U.S. Department of Labor press release.

The company had 15 business days from receipt of the 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. Bravo Pak did not contest or otherwise respond to the citations and penalties, which by law becomes a final order. The company has failed to pay any of the associated penalties, which the department may refer for debt collection.

“Employers are legally responsible for ensuring that workers are provided necessary workplace safety and health protections,” said Loren Sweatt, principal deputy assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health, in the release.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Topics USA Workers' Compensation New Jersey Manufacturing