Federal safety investigators have concluded that Artco-Bell Corp., a furniture manufacturer in Temple, Texas, could have prevented an employee's severe hand and arm injuries by installing necessary machine guards. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted the investigation following an incident in April 2024. During the incident, a worker was injured when a garden hose used for cleaning machine rollers became entangled, pulling the worker’s arm into the machinery.

In addition to the absence of machine guards, OSHA inspectors identified that workers were exposed to respirable crystalline silica hazards at Artco-Bell Corp. Consequently, OSHA issued citations for 24 serious safety and health violations and proposed penalties amounting to $257,183.

"An employee suffered painful injuries because Artco-Bell Corp. failed to comply with federal requirements for machine guards," stated Monica Camacho, OSHA Area Director in Austin, Texas. She emphasized the employer's responsibility to ensure workers are trained to identify workplace hazards and that safety information is communicated in languages understood by all employees.

Artco-Bell Corp., established in 1965, designs and manufactures school furniture and employs over 250 individuals. The company has a period of 15 business days from receiving its citations and penalties to either comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.