First published by OSHA
Investigation finds Jacksonville wood crate, pallet company’s historyof violations continues, employees exposed to machine, other hazards
M&H Crates Inc. faces $248K in proposed OSHA penalties
JACKSONVILLE, TX – A Jacksonville wood crate and pallet manufacturer’s history of workplace safety violations continues after federal inspectors found the company exposed workers to amputation hazards in its February 2022 inspection.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration opened an inspection on Feb. 8, 2022, at M&H Crates Inc. after receiving a complaint. OSHA determined the company failed to develop, document or use lockout/tagout procedures to prevent sudden machine start-ups. They also discovered the company failed to ensure required machine guarding, which exposed workers to hazards, including amputation. In the manufacturing industry, machine guarding violations are OSHA’s most frequently cited infraction.
OSHA cited M&H Crates for serious and repeat violations for machine guarding hazards, housekeeping issues and failing to provide hearing protection as required. The company faces $248,866 in proposed penalties.
“M&H Crates Inc. continues to expose its employees to dangerous workplace hazards by ignoring required federal safety standards,” explained OSHA Area Director Basil Singh in Dallas. “These safeguards can be the difference between ending a shift safely and suffering a serious and life-altering injury. M&H Crates must develop and implement a company culture where worker safety and health is a priority.”
Prior to its recent inspection, OSHA cited M&H Crates following inspections in 2012, 2014 and 2020. In June 2020, inspectors examined safety failures after an employee cutting pallet boards suffered a finger amputation while using an unguarded band saw.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
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