Fostoria, Ohio — Luxury vinyl tile manufacturer Nox US LLC faces $514,236 in proposed penalties for machine safety violations after two employees needed surgery for hand injuries sustained in separate incidents in June.
The Fostoria-based business was placed in the Severe Violator Enforcement Program by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after inspectors cited it for failing to use adequate lockout/tagout procedures and devices to prevent unintentional machine movement, failure to train employees, and exposing employees to fall hazards.
In one incident, an employee's hand was crushed in a tile machine. Less than two weeks later, another employee had two fingers partially amputated while working on a recycling material system.
"When dangerous machines are not properly guarded or de-energized, employees face an increased risk of serious injuries," OSHA Area Office Director Kim Nelson,based in Toledo, Ohio, said in a news release. "Employers must monitor their facilities continuously to ensure workplace safety and health procedures are adequate and effective."
Nox US LLC was given 15 days to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the findings to an independent review panel.
The business was formed in February 2016 when manufacturer Nox Corp, which has its headquarters in South Korea, formed a joint venture with Roppe Corp., a commercial flooring business based in Fostoria.
Nox US reportedly moved into a vacant building with plans to invest $21 million to improve production and create 150 jobs.