Ohio Manufacturer Faces OSHA Penalties After Worker Injured by Unprotected Machine

A Portsmouth, Ohio hardwood floor manufacturer has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor after a 23-year-old worker suffered a partial arm amputation while troubleshooting a rip saw machine at the company’s Charles Street facility. Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) determined that safety devices on the saw had been bypassed, leading to the severe injury.

In addition to inspecting the Charles Street location, OSHA also opened a concurrent investigation at the company’s Campbell Avenue facility. Appalachian Wood Floors Inc., operating as Graf Custom Hardwood, has a history of federal safety violations. Five inspections at the Campbell Avenue facility since 2022 have identified repeat violations, resulting in the company’s inclusion in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Following the latest incident, OSHA issued citations for eight repeat, two serious, and four other-than-serious violations, totaling $255,528 in proposed penalties. Violations included bypassed safety mechanisms, failure to implement proper lockout/tagout procedures, inadequate employee training, and unguarded machinery. Inspectors also uncovered multiple electrical safety issues and insufficient forklift training at the facilities.

This case underscores the importance of adhering to safety standards to protect workers and avoid severe penalties. Employers are urged to prioritize employee training and ensure machinery is equipped with and using required safety devices.