The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a leading tool and equipment manufacturer following an incident in which a 29-year-old maintenance electrician suffered severe burns during an electrical arc blast at a facility in Willard, Ohio. The investigation revealed that the injuries could have been prevented if required safety standards had been followed.
An arc flash occurs when an electric current travels through the air from one conductor to another or to the ground, producing temperatures over 35,000 degrees Fahrenheit. These flashes can cause serious injury or death to nearby individuals.
Following the employer’s report of the worker’s hospitalization, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) opened an inspection at MTD Products Inc., operating as Stanley Black + Decker, on December 20, 2023. Investigators identified several safety issues, including the failure to provide personal protective equipment when employees were working around energized electrical equipment. The incident occurred while the electrician was replacing fuses to repair an industrial oven.
OSHA determined that Stanley Black + Decker lacked safe work practices and training for electrical maintenance employees and did not use required lockout/tagout procedures for energized electrical equipment. Additionally, workers were exposed to potential fall hazards.
“Stanley Black + Decker must reevaluate its safety procedures immediately to protect maintenance workers from electrical and machine hazards before another employee suffers needlessly,” explained OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen in Toledo, Ohio. “Each year, hundreds of workers are hurt or worse by electrical-related injuries when employers fail to provide required personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures. Employee safety and health should be every employer’s most important bottom line.”
OSHA cited Stanley Black + Decker for one willful violation and four serious violations, proposing penalties totaling $222,392.
Headquartered in New Britain, Connecticut, Stanley Black + Decker is a $14.5 billion global diversified industrial company with 56,000 employees in more than 60 countries. The company operates the world's largest tools and storage business featuring brands such as DeWalt, Stanley, Black+Decker, and Craftsman. In December 2021, it completed its acquisition of MTD Holdings.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply with OSHA's findings, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Learn more about OSHA.
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