CORINTH, MISS– Mississippi Polymers Inc. is facing fines after two injuries on the job, says the U.S. Department of Labor.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued citations to the employer on Jan. 14 for 11 serious safety violations.
OSHA initiated two inspections after learning of two serious injuries that occurred in the fall of 2015. On Sept. 28, a 41-year-old print tender suffered severe injury when his hand entangled in a print roller and was crushed. Six days later on Oct. 4, a 59-year-old mill operator caught her hand in a print roller; the machine crushed her pinky finger so badly that a portion of the finger, up to the first joint, had to be amputated. Both workers were attempting to clean the machinery when the incidents happened.
OSHA cited Mississippi Polymers for exposing workers to unguarded rollers, rotating shafts and gears; failing to train workers on the specific procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing and not providing safety rails on stairs.
“This employer cannot continue to expose its employees to unguarded machinery and other serious safety hazards,” said Eugene Stewart, OSHA’s area director in Jackson. “Two workers were severely injured when protective guarding was available and could have prevented such incidents.”
If the company doesn’t appeal, contest, or get into compliance within 15 business days, they face $56,340 in fines.
Mississippi Polymers manufactures functional and decorative films used in many products such as banners and billboards. The company employs more than 160 workers in Corinth.
