OSHA Fines Missouri Firm for Flammable Dust HazardsOSHA Fines Missouri Firm for Flammable Dust Hazards

A Lebanon, MO-based spirits and wine barrel manufacturer, Missouri Cooperage Company LLC, recently received citations from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing workers to a variety of workplace safety issues, including combustible dust hazards, the agency announced in an August 2 release. The company now faces $413,370 in fines.

An inspection was started in February at the firm’s facility after five amputations occurred at the Lebanon site within 14 months. That month, a worker’s finger was amputated after her hand became trapped between a belt and pulley system. 

The agency cited Missouri Cooperage Company for electrical and occupational noise hazards, failure to guard machines and put lockout/tagout procedures into place, and fire hazards from allowing dust to build up on the floors and surfaces of the facility. In addition, OSHA cited the company for continuing to operate an unguarded chain and sprocket that it received a citation for in February 2018. 

“Employers must follow the legal requirements put into place to protect workers from injuries. Anything less is unacceptable,” OSHA Kansas City, MO Area Regional Administrator Kimberly Stille said in a statement. “Employers must continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and train employees and managers to use proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthful.”

Missouri Cooperage Company has 15 business says after receiving the agency’s citations to comply, contest OSHA’s findings before an independent panel, or request an informal conference with an OSHA area director. 

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