Ohio Manufacturer Facing $314K OSHA Fine

An Ohio-based automotive components manufacturer, Faurecia Emissions Control Systems NA LLC, is contending with substantial penalties amounting to $314,555 as imposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This enforcement action follows the tragic death of a 26-year-old worker who was fatally injured due to being crushed by machinery at the company’s Franklin facility. OSHA’s investigation revealed serious safety lapses at the plant, which led to this unfortunate incident on April 16.

The agency’s findings indicated that Faurecia Emissions Control Systems did not provide sufficient training on safety procedures and failed to implement crucial safety measures, including proper machine guarding and lockout/tagout protocols—a method used to ensure that machines are properly shut off and unable to be started up again during maintenance or servicing. This negligence resulted in the issuance of 10 specific citations for failing to adequately train all employees, including temporary staff who were under the direct supervision of the company.

Previously in 2022, the same facility was cited for similar safety infractions, highlighting a concerning pattern of disregard for worker safety. Faurecia Emissions Control Systems is part of the larger Faurecia North America, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, which operates 29 facilities across the United States.

Ken Montgomery, the Director of OSHA’s Cincinnati area office, emphasized the preventability of the incident, stating, “Proper machine guarding could have shielded the employees from dangerous contact with moving parts.” He further stressed the mandatory nature of these safety measures, criticizing the company for failing to fulfill its legal obligations to protect its workers.

Montgomery also reflected on the broader implications of such negligence, remarking that safety should be an inherent priority and a fundamental value within the manufacturing sector, not merely an afterthought.

Adding to the urgency of addressing these safety issues, OSHA noted that it had initiated nearly 1,700 inspections related to machine hazards in Ohio alone since 2019. Moreover, the agency recently reported that lockout/tagout and machine guarding standards were among the most frequently violated in fiscal year 2023, underscoring the widespread challenges in maintaining workplace safety in the industry. This context further highlights the importance of stringent safety protocols and continuous oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.

To address these critical safety issues, NASP is offering a live Lockout Tagout Train-The-Trainer course designed to equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure workplace safety, July 18-19, in Wilmington NC. This comprehensive training covers all aspects of lockout/tagout procedures, emphasizing the practical application of the skills taught to prevent accidents and comply with OSHA standards. By participating in this course, businesses can significantly mitigate the risk of costly fines and, more importantly, safeguard their workforce. For more details and to enroll in the upcoming session, visit NASP’s course page here.