NOX US facing $1.2M in fines after worker injuries

NOX US LLC of Fostoria faces $1,232,705 million in proposed penalties after U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors responded when a worker suffered severe injuries as a result of being caught in a machine April 28, a news release from the U.S. Department of Labor said.The release said the incident marks the seventh injury at the vinyl-tile manufacturing plant since Feb. 17 related to the company's "failure to follow required machine-safety procedures." The release added that at least 13 serious injuries have taken place at the plant caused by exposure to burn and amputation hazards.NOX was placed in OSHA's Severe Violator Enforcement Program in 2017, according to the release.The release said the April inspection found the injured worker's finger was first caught in a rotating spindle on a plastic winding machine, and the person's body was pulled around the spindle. The worker, who had been on the job for six weeks, suffered injuries that required surgery, the release said.The release said OSHA cited the company for eight willful violations, one repeat violation and six serious violations, as well as one other-than-serious violation, for exposing workers to machine hazards, lacking personal protective equipment and failing to train its workers on safety hazards and precautions.Requests for comment from NOX did not receive replies by press time Monday."NOX US LLC's continued failure to correct previously identified hazards has led to another worker suffering severe and potentially life-altering injuries," OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan, in Chicago, was quoted as saying in the release. "When an employer fails to ensure dangerous machines are guarded or de-energized properly, they show an indifference to worker safety, and the risk of serious injuries multiplies."Specifically, OSHA issued willful violations after inspectors noted the company frequently exposed workers to caught-in and amputation hazards by failing to prevent them from coming into contact with operating machine parts, according to the release. NOX US failed to establish, test and require the use of machine lockout/tagout procedures or to train workers on hazards, the release said. NOX US also operated unguarded rollers and other equipment and exposed workers to trip-and-fall hazards from oil residue on floors and non-uniform stair risers, according to the release."NOX US LLC continues to put profit before safety, and the company's efforts when it comes to worker safety are unacceptable," OSHA Area Office Director Todd Jensen in Toledo was quoted as saying in the release. "We will use all means necessary to hold this company accountable and to protect workers' rights to a safe and healthy workplace."Based in Seoul, South Korea, NOX Corp. opened the Fostoria plant in November 2015. The company supplies luxury vinyl flooring to customers in more than 50 countries. The plant employs about 200 people, the news release said.OSHA's machine guarding and control of hazardous energy webpages provide information on employers' responsibilities in regard to limiting worker exposure to machine hazards.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, according to the release.