The U.S. Department of Labor has cited Progressive Converting Inc., a paper products manufacturer in Appleton, Wisconsin, for safety and health violations following three investigations. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the company exposed workers to hazardous energy and lacked proper machine guarding after an employee suffered two finger-tip amputations.
According to OSHA investigators, Progressive Converting failed to guard machinery correctly, did not implement required energy control procedures, and did not provide adequate training for employees performing service and maintenance work.
The department issued citations for three repeat violations, 13 serious violations, and three other-than-serious violations. Proposed penalties amount to $280,110.
Progressive Converting has 15 business days from receiving the citations and penalties to comply with OSHA's requirements, request an informal conference with the agency, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
More information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources is available on their website. Employers can also seek free guidance on meeting OSHA standards through these resources at https://www.osha.gov/complianceassistance.
