Piramal Glass USA fined after worker has finger amputated

Piramal Glass USA has been cited for 21 safety and health violations and fined $137,400 after a worker suffered an amputated finger while repairing a machine.

The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said the incident at the firm’s Park Hills manufacturing plant happened on 14 March because the machine was not isolated from its energy source prior to maintenance.

"An employer's failure to power off energy sources before conducting equipment maintenance is unacceptable," said Marcia Drumm, acting regional administrator for OSHA in Kansas City.

"Amputation hazards are one of the leading causes of injuries in manufacturing, which companies must address to curb preventable injuries."

Piramal Glass, headquartered in Park Hills, operates facilities in Mays Landing and Williamstown, New Jersey, as well as in India and Sri Lanka and manufactures bottles for food and beverages.