DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor found that two Danville labor accidents, which happened just one week apart, could have been prevented if safety regulations were followed. Now, the company responsible is facing six-digit fines.
Inspectors from the DOL’s Occupation Safety and Health Administration responded to two incidents earlier this year at Viscofan USA Inc.’s Danville facility. One employee suffered broken bones and lacerations on Jan. 25 when their arm was caught in a roller machine. On Feb. 1, another employee suffered chemical burns while cleaning a pump.
In both incidents, OSHA determined that the company “lacked adequate procedures for energy control and failed to have them in place before the workers began their tasks.” The agency also said Viscofan failed to train its workers on machine safety procedures and on use of hazardous chemicals
“Viscofan USA has a long history of violations and worker injuries at its Danville facility, with two more workers needlessly suffering severe injuries because the company again failed to implement an effective safety and health program and develop specific energy control procedures to protect workers doing maintenance,” said OSHA Area Director Edward Marshall in Peoria. “Employers are responsible for training their workers and taking all necessary precautions to protect them from known hazards.”
In total, OSHA cited Viscofan for one repeat violation, seven serious violations and one other-than-serious violations. The proposed penalty is $200,000 in fines.
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