Wisconsin Pallet Maker Joins 'Severe Violators'

Konz Wood Products’ failure to train employees in machine safety procedures contributed to the death of an employee in December.
The fatal incident was the fifth opening of an inspection since 2016 at Konz’s Appleton, Wisconsin plant, according to a U.S. Department of Labor statement.
OSHA has placed Konz Wood Products in the agency’s severe violator program and proposed $177,453 in penalties.
The 57-year-old employee was struck by the carriage of a lumber stacking machine as he removed a jammed board. As he freed the board, the metal carriage moved, striking him and causing severe crushing injuries.
OSHA investigators discovered the pallet maker failed to ensure the machine was locked out to prevent movement.
Inspectors issued two repeat violations against the company and cited it for 15 serious violations.
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OSHA has extended the deadline for comments on the Emergency Response rule, now until July 22, from June 21 previously.
The agency will also host a to-be-schedule public hearing on the existing Fire Brigades standard.
The proposed Emergency Response rule seeks to provide basic workplace protections for workers who respond to emergencies as part of their regularly assigned duties.
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A federal administrative law judge affirmed safety violations against United Airlines related to a 2021 incident at Newark Liberty International Airport in which a 737’s tire crushed a technician’s foot while working with a carrier towing crew.
The airline was penalized the maximum $14,502 by OSHA on April 2.
The judge found that Department of Labor lawyers proved United didn’t implement feasible and effective means to mitigate the hazards by following tow-safety policies.
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The May 29 death of a 16-year-old worker in a weather-related Texas house collapse is being investigated by OSHA and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division.
According to a Magnolia, Texas fire department official, the youth was approved and permitted to work on the Westfield Homes construction site over the summer.
Anyone under 18 is prohibited from working in any position deemed hazardous by the Secretary of Labor. There are currently 17 occupations considered hazardous, including any work on or related to roofing.
Working teenagers between 16 and 17 may work in the construction industry or on construction sites in limited capacities, according to OSHA’s website.
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