WD Flooring Faces Hefty Fines for Multiple Safety Violations, OSHA Reports

In a significant enforcement action, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has levied a series of citations against WD Flooring, LLC, following a comprehensive inspection of its Laona mill in September 2023. Under the National Emphasis Program targeting amputation hazards within the manufacturing sector, OSHA’s findings highlighted an alarming array of safety lapses at the facility, which also underwent a concurrent health inspection.

The company was found to be in violation of several critical safety and health standards, exposing employees to serious risks. Notably, WD Flooring did not adequately protect its workforce from electrical and fall hazards, a fundamental safety requirement. Additionally, the company’s neglect extended to operating damaged forklifts, failing to implement a hearing conservation program, and not providing necessary personal protective equipment or training on handling hazardous chemicals. Such oversights also led to a failure in recording injuries as mandated.

In response to these infractions, OSHA has proposed a $269,662 fine. While WD Flooring has the option to comply, request a meeting with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings, reports indicate the company plans to challenge the citations. WD Flooring’s president, Peter Connor, criticized OSHA’s actions as unjust, arguing that they unfairly target the company and reflect broader issues of over-regulation affecting American businesses. Connor asserts the company’s commitment to employee safety despite the allegations.