A lack of PPE and lockout/tagout procedures leads to hefty fines for a plastic manufacturer.

A Massachusetts company has been cited for failing to follow OSHA’s standard for lockout/tagout procedures and personal protective equipment, resulting in the injury of a worker.

In 2021, a worker sustained severe burns when they serviced an extruder machine and were sprayed with hot liquid plastic.

According to a press release, Berry Global, Inc did not establish procedures for lockout/tagout for the extruder machine, and did not train employees or perform inspections to ensure the procedures were being followed on the machine.

“Berry Global Inc. could have prevented this worker’s injuries if the company had followed required safeguards,” OSHA Area Director Mary Hoye in Springfield, Mass., said in a press release. “OSHA will hold employers accountable when they knowingly disregard their legal responsibility to provide workers a safe and healthful workplace.”

Berry Global, Inc was cited for two willful violations and one repeat violation and was fined nearly $370,000. In the past, two other locations—New Jersey and Wisconsin—were inspected for lockout/tagout violations, both contested. In five years, Berry Global, Inc has been inspected more than 40 times.

Alex Saurman is the Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety.

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