OSHA Cites Wisconsin Recycler for Shredder Dangers

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Miller Compressing Co. in Milwaukee with two safety violations for allowing employees to perform maintenance on a shredder without first isolating the machine’s energy source. OSHA opened an inspection upon receiving a complaint alleging hazards at the company’s scrap processing facility. The agency has proposed fines totaling $70,000.

The violations, termed “willful” by OSHA, involve failing to lock out the electrical power source of a 7,000-horsepower shredder and failing to have adequate energy control procedures in place for maintenance and servicing. A willful violation is defined by OHSA as one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements or with indifference to worker safety and health.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection is OSHA’s third of the company; the last inspection was conducted in March 2011 and resulted in a citation for one violation.

Miller Compressing received the two recent citations Sept. 21, 2012. A spokesman for OSHA says the scrap metal firm has contacted the regional OSHA office to discuss the citations.

Subsequent to the citation being issued, Miller Compressing has been acquired by Alter Trading Corp., St. Louis.