Assignment:
OSHA Finds 27 Hazards at West Virginia Sawmill - Sep 20, 2016
Willful violations were issued for failure to properly guard a chop saw and provide standard railing and handrails
OSHA has issued Wayne Lumber and Mulch Inc. of Wayne, West Virginia, three willful, nine repeat, 12 serious and three other-than-serious violations, according to a report.
An inspection discovered willful violations related to failure to properly guard a chop saw and provide standard railing and handrails. Repeat citations were given for a lack of an effective hazard communication plan, exposing employees to electrical hazards, failing to have lockout/tagout procedures, and more.
"By all indications, Wayne Lumber and Mulch failed to take the violations we found in 2014 seriously. The fact that many of these hazards existed again - and the addition of nearly 30 new violations - tells us this employer is willing to jeopardize the safety of its workers. In 2015, an employee suffered a fingertip amputation due to lack of machine guarding. Without taking immediate action to ensure a safe workplace, more workers could be injured or worse," said Prentice Cline, director of OSHA's Charleston Area Office.
Source: Occupational Health & Safety. (2016). Retrieved from
https://ohsonline.com/articles/2016/09/20/osha-finds-27-hazards-at-west-virginia- sawmill.aspx. Retrieved on September 21, 2016.
QUESTIONS
1. Describe the occupational health & safety issues that are evident in this case.
2. Explain three actions management should have taken to avoid being cited for violating the health and safety of employees. (9 Marks)
3. Examine four benefits of management adhering to occupational health and safety regulations. Use examples for each benefit described.
4. As an employee, outline your organization's approach to occupational health and safety.