OSHA Finds Alabama Forklift Parts Manufacturer Exposed Workers to Caught-In Hazards — Occupational Health & Safety

OSHA Finds Alabama Forklift Parts Manufacturer Exposed Workers to Caught-In Hazards

The agency investigated Cullman Casting following the death of a foundry worker.

• By Robert Yaniz Jr.
• Mar 28, 2024

Following a recent investigation, OSHA has cited Cullman Casting Corp—an Alabama-based forklift parts manufacturer for multiple serious safety violations following the death of a 38-year-old foundry worker. 

According to a recent release, the incident occurred on August 31, 2023. The worker was fatally injured by a molding machine while attempting to adjust a plastic film. OSHA subsequently found that Cullman Casting failed to follow safety protocols, particularly in de-energizing and locking out the automated molding machine during maintenance.

“This tragic incident should never have occurred,” OSHA Area Office Director Joel Batiz in Birmingham, Alabama, said in a statement. “When an employer such as Cullman Casting Corp. fails to make safety a priority, severe and sadly fatal consequences can occur, leaving family and friends to grieve.”

OSHA’s investigation revealed six serious violations, including a failure to develop and implement written lockout/tagout procedures, conduct periodic inspections, train employees properly, ensure the use of locks, and maintain proper machine guarding. These lapses exposed workers to caught-in hazards, resulting in $95,981 in penalties.

Cullman Casting Corp. now has 15 business days from the receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the agency’s findings before an independent commission.