Texas Manufacturer Fined $158k for Worker’s Amputation Injury
A Texas-based manufacturer is facing penalties of $158,051 after a worker suffered a traumatic amputation injury. Madix Inc., the operator of a manufacturing facility in Eclectic, Alabama, has been found in violation of federal safety standards by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The incident occurred on March 23, 2023, when a 20-year-old employee was adjusting a coolant feed line on a tube saw. Unfortunately, the worker’s glove got caught and his hand was pulled into the spinning blade, resulting in the amputation of three fingers.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation following the injury report. They discovered that Madix had failed to enforce necessary safety measures, such as installing machine guards and implementing lockout-tagout procedures to disable machinery.
As a result of their findings, OSHA issued Madix with citations for two repeat, three serious, and three other-than-serious violations. The proposed penalties amount to $158,051.
This is not the first time Madix has faced scrutiny from OSHA. Inspections conducted since 2018 at two of the company’s Alabama facilities and one in Texas have revealed one willful violation and eight serious violations. In 2019, OSHA cited Madix for three serious violations following an investigation into an amputation injury suffered by an employee in Eclectic. The failures in machine guarding and lockout-tagout procedures identified in previous inspections raise concerns about the company’s commitment to providing a safe workplace.
Madix Inc., established in 1982, specializes in manufacturing metal and wood shelving and displays for retail stores. With facilities in Eclectic and Goodwater, Alabama, as well as warehouses in the U.S. and the U.K., Madix employs about 500 workers in Eclectic alone.
OSHA has given Madix 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Employers are urged to prioritize workplace safety and health by developing comprehensive programs. OSHA provides valuable resources and compliance assistance to help companies meet safety standards.
The incident at Madix serves as a reminder of the importance of implementing proper safety measures to protect workers from hazardous machinery. By enforcing machine guarding and lockout-tagout procedures, employers can significantly reduce the risk of amputation injuries and ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment for their employees.
