The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Phenix City sawmill for failing to protect employees from workplace hazards.
In response to an August 2023 fatal incident, OSHA cited Phenix Lumber Co., as well as its owners, with 22 willful violations, one repeat violation and five serious violations. Specifically, the agency found the employer failed to:
- Ensure employees used energy control procedures to prevent the unexpected start-up of machines while performing maintenance and servicing activities such as clearing jams.
- Ensure the use of lockout/tagout devices on machinery when performing maintenance.
- Provide training to employees on the purpose and function of the energy control program, as well as ensure they have the knowledge and skills required for the safe application of energy control measures.
- Maintain guarding on machines that posed amputation hazards to employees.
- Require fall protection to be used in work areas above four feet.
- Require employees operating a forklift to wear a seatbelt.
- Maintain fire extinguishers in a fully charged and operable condition.
- Ensure an electrical disconnect was located in direct line of sight from the equipment being locked out.
