A Kansas plastics manufacturer faces nearly $300,000 in penalties after a worker was killed while trying to clear a bagging machine.
The fatal incident occurred last summer at Great Lakes Polymer Technologies’ facility in Kingman, Kansas.
The worker became entangled in a rotating part inside the machine and was pulled into its rotating bars.
A subsequent investigation determined that duct tape over the safety interlock prevented the machine from shutting down.
In addition to improper machine guarding, the company failed to deploy — or train workers on — proper lockout/tagout procedures.
Workers were also exposed to fall hazards from plastic particles and leaked hydraulic fluid.
Great Lakes, operating as ProFab Polymers, makes plastic fibers used in cement and other construction materials.
It had 15 days after receiving the citation to comply, request a conference with OSHA officials, or contest the agency’s findings.
