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Sawmill operator cited in amputation of temporary worker’s arm

May 28, 2015

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued a willful violation to Cordele, Ga.-based Griffin Lumber & Hardware for failing to ensure workers were protected from an unguarded sprocket and chain following a January incident involving a 29-year-old temporary worker at a local sawmill operated by Griffin. The man's left arm was amputated when his jacket was caught in the drive shaft of a conveyor belt.

OSHA alleges the 74 full-time and temporary employees who work on-site were exposed to serious injury or death due to this violation. The company faces a proposed penalty of $56,000.

The injured worker was employed by staffing agency Labor Finders, which provides Griffin Lumber with temporary workers. Griffin Lumber was responsible for daily supervision, training and direction of the temporary workers. OSHA concluded an inspection with Labor Finders and issued no citations to the staffing agency.

“Griffin management admitted to inspectors that the unguarded parts had been that way for a long time,” said Robert Vazzi, OSHA’s area director in Savannah, Ga. “This terrible incident proves the company can no longer ignore worker safety and must address all safety hazards immediately.”

Griffin Lumber operates a sawmill and three stores in southern Georgia. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.