An Ohio manufacturer of thermoplastic linings for truck bodies and trailers has exposed workers to the risk of amputation or other serious injuries for the past two years by disabling safety devices in order to speed up production and make more product.

OSHA has issued one willful, two repeated and six serious citations and one other than serious citation for safety violations to Ridge Corporation.  In its investigation, the agency found the company deactivated light curtains that prevent workers from coming in contact with operating machine parts. Investigators determined Ridge disabled the devices to produce products more quickly.

OSHA has proposed fines of $214,857. The citations can be viewed here.

Ridge Corporation failed to:

• Install machine guards on multiple pieces of equipment.
• Remove defective forklifts from service.
• Cover exposed electrical connections.