Two companies were cited by OSHA following the fatality of a contract maintenance worker who had been caught in a machine that unexpectedly started.
OSHA inspectors found that the companies could have prevented the incident by using and communicating about lockout/tagout rules to prevent the unexpected startup of machinery.
The worker was killed on Aug. 4, 2023 while working for an Alabama-based maintenance and repair contractor who was hired by another company to repair a screw conveyor system.
While the equipment was initially locked out and de-energized, the companies decided to remove the locks temporarily to rotate the screw conveyor’s shaft to better align for repair work to proceed. This resulted in the worker being caught in the conveyor where he suffered fatal injuries.
The companies were each cited for several lockout/tagout violations.
Fines: $43,554 (HM Southeast Cement); $38,715 (G & R Mineral Services)
Companies: HM Southeast Cement, Fort Lauderdale, Florida; G & R Mineral Services, Birmingham, Alabama
Businesses: Construction material merchant wholesaler (HM Southeast Cement); Industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance (G & R Mineral Services)
Reasons for fines:
HM Southeast Cement:
Three serious violations for failing to:
- clearly outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules and techniques to be used for the control of hazardous energy
- conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures
- review and coordinate lockout/tagout procedures with an onsite contractor
G & R Mineral Services:
Three serious violations for failing to:
- clearly outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules and techniques to be used for the control of hazardous energy
- remove employees from equipment in the area when lockout/tagout devices were temporarily removed and the equipment was energized
- review and coordinate lockout/tagout procedures with an outside employer
