A coatings and specialty products and services company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was recently fined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for safety violations uncovered at a facility in Cleveland, Ohio. The September 26 inspection of the PPG Industries Inc. facility was the result of a complaint. The person making the complaint claimed that an unguarded winder machine was being used in one of its departments. It is not clear if anyone has been injured.

The inspection confirmed that willful violation along with three others. In addition to the unguarded winder machine, the company was cited for failing to have personnel who were authorized place lockout or tagout devices upon devices, not locking out the equipment's energy sources before service or maintenance and making sure guards were in place on equipment. In total the company is facing $90,000 in proposed fines.

Industrial accidents are often some of the most devastating workplace accidents. This is due in large part to the type and size of equipment used. OSHA regulations and inspections are in place to ensure employers are keeping workplaces as safe as possible. Despite this, accidents still occur.

When an employee is injured while working, he or she may be able to recover compensation via a workers' compensation claim. The state of Pennsylvania requires all businesses to carry workers' compensation insurance. Under some circumstances it may be possible to recover additional damages via a third party personal injury claim.

Dealing with the legalities of a work injury can be complicated. As a result, it is often a good idea to consult an experienced workers' compensation attorney.

Source: Occupational Health & Safety, "$90,000 Fine Issued to Firm for Unguarded Winder Machine, Equipment Hazards," Dec. 20, 2011