The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Missouri Cooperage Company LLC, a subsidiary of Independent Stave Company, after they exposed workers to amputation, noise and other hazards at their spirits and wine barrel-making facility in Lebanon, Missouri.

The company reported that a worker suffered a finger amputation when her hand was caught between a belt and pulley system and OSHA initiated an inspection in February of 2019. The company had experienced five amputation injuries in a 14-month period. The inspectors cited them for operating an unguarded chain and sprocket, which they had been previously cited for in February of 2018.

OSHA cited the company for exposing employees to electrical and occupational noise hazards, for failing to guard machines and for failing to implement adequate lockout/tagout procedures, and for creating a potential fire hazard by allowing dust to accumulate on surfaces.

Read the full list of citations here.

“Employers must follow the legal requirements put in place to protect workers from injuries. Anything less than that is unacceptable,” said ODA Regional Administrator Kimberly Stille in Kansas City, Missouri. “Employers must continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and train employees and managers to use proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthful.”

The company faces $413,370 in penalties.

Read the press release from OSHA.