Fatal Electrocution at Alabama Paper Mill: A Tale of Willful Safety Violations and a Life Lost
Hello, folks. Today, I’d like to share a sobering tale with you – a story of a workplace where safety took a back seat and a life was tragically lost. In Maplesville, Alabama, a 36-year-old worker at South Coast Paper LLC met his end in a horrific accident, all because his employer deliberately bypassed essential safety regulations.
In September 2022, at the Maplesville paper mill, a team of three employees was working on a sheeter machine, which transforms paper rolls into copier paper, when they noticed a conveyor belt had stopped. The workers endeavored to replace the motor without first de-energizing the machines in use. Tragically, a hot wire made contact with the ground, energizing the machine and resulting in the fatal electrocution of the 36-year-old worker.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched an investigation into this heartrending incident. Their findings revealed that South Coast Paper LLC had willfully violated safety standards, including neglecting hazardous energy control procedures that protect employees performing maintenance on machinery.
As OSHA Area Office Director Jose Gonzalez in Mobile, Alabama, put it, “There is no reason to perform maintenance on machinery without first taking all steps to de-energize that piece of equipment. Doing otherwise places workers at serious risk for injury and death.” He continued, “South Coast Paper’s failure to follow established safety procedures cost this worker their life and has left family, friends, and co-workers to mourn.”
OSHA issued one willful violation citation to the company for allowing employees to perform maintenance on machinery without ensuring the development and documentation of hazardous energy control procedures and that they were followed. In addition, South Coast Paper was cited for a repeat violation for allowing workers to perform maintenance on machines without first being trained to make sure they possessed the knowledge and skills for safely applying, using, and removing hazardous energy controls. OSHA had cited the company for a similar violation in June 2022 at its Burlington, New Jersey facility.
The agency also cited South Coast Paper for lack of machine guarding, not providing clear access in front of a 480-volt breaker panel, and failing to train workers on electrical safe work practices. OSHA has proposed $227,040 in penalties for these violations.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
It’s a chilling reminder that safety should always be the top priority in any workplace. One careless decision can have devastating consequences, and no job is worth the loss of a life. Employers must take responsibility for their workers’ safety and ensure that proper procedures are in place and followed diligently.
OSHA offers resources to help employers develop workplace safety and health programs and provides information on compliance assistance. Let this tragic incident serve as a stark reminder to always prioritize safety in our workplaces. Together, we can prevent further tragedies and ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.
References:
