OSHA Inspection: WD FLOORING LLC

Issued

May 15, 2025

Abate by

Jun 13, 2025

Penalty

Initial $1,023 · Current $1,023

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1903.19(d)(1):  The employer must submit to the Agency, along with the information on abatement certification required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section, documents demonstrating that abatement is complete for each willful or repeat violation and for any serious violation for which the Agency indicates in the citation that such abatement documentation is required.  The employer has not certified to OSHA, and provided documentation, that the hazardous conditions identified in Citations 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 1-6, 1-7, 1-8-a, 1-8-b, 1-8-c, 1-8-d, 2-1 of this inspection have been corrected including the methods taken to correct the hazardous conditions.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Mar 27, 2024

Penalty

Initial $7,098 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(c): Access and egress.  The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.   At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road, in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A by the row of Up Cut Saws, the employer did not provide a safe means of access and egress to and from the walking-working surfaces.  Employees cutting lumber following the block pile stations had to step over up to four waste chutes and had limitations of the size of the exit route for emergency egress from the workstation.  (b)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A by the row of Up Cut Saws, the employer did not provide a safe means of access and egress to and from the walking-working surfaces.  Employees would jump down onto the Take Off belt to egress their workstations hindering the exit route for emergency egress from the workstation.  (c)   On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A by the Brute Optimizer, the employer did not provide a safe means of access and egress to and from the walking-working surfaces.  Employees were required to climb on conveyors to get to the back open area to perform cleaning activities which limited the exit route for emergency egress from the work area.    (d)  On or about September 22, 2023, in Plant A by the Tongue/End Matcher, the employer did not provide a safe means of access and egress to and from the walking-working surfaces.  Employees were required to duck under one of two conveyors to get in/out of their workstations hindering the exit route for emergency egress from the workstation.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Mar 27, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): Unprotected sides and edges.  Except as provided elsewhere in this section, the employer must ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the following systems identified in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i)(A), (b)(1)(i)(B), (b)(1)(i)(C).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, an up-cut saw operator was exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 50-3/4 inches from the top of the #50 chain conveyor. Employees jumped up on the conveyor, walked across it, and jumped off of the other side to get in and out of the working area of the up cut saws.   (b) On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, an up-cut saw operator was exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 50-3/4 inches from the top of the #50 chain conveyor. Employees jumped up on the conveyor, walked across it, and jumped off of the other side to get in and out of the working area of the up cut saws.  (c) On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, an up-cut saw operator was exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 50-3/4 inches from the top of the #50 chain conveyor while standing on it to clear lumber that was caught in the belt of the conveyor above.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Penalty

Initial $7,098 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.136(a):  General requirements. The employer shall ensure that each affected employee uses protective footwear when working in areas where there is a danger of foot injuries due to falling or rolling objects, or objects piercing the sole, or when the use of protective footwear will protect the affected employee from an electrical hazard, such as a static-discharge or electric-shock hazard, that remains after the employer takes other necessary protective measures.  On or about September 5, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road, in Laona, Wisconsin; the employer did not ensure that each employee utilized protective footwear when working around lumber while being exposed to foot injuries due to falling or rolling of the lumber.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $9,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii):  The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(A), (c)(4)(ii)(B), (c)(4)(ii)(C), and (c)(4)(ii)(D).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 11, 2023, in Plant B, employees were required to perform setup, maintenance, and servicing tasks on the Ogden Group Eco Power Plus, the procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques nor did the procedure identify all energy sources, pneumatic, to be de-energized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance.  (b)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A and Plant B, employees were required to perform setup, clearing jams, maintenance, and servicing tasks on the Hasko FSM MatchMaster, the procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques nor did the procedure identify how to verify all energy sources were de-energized for the control of hazardous energy, information regarding the coasting time for cutterheads and spindles to come to a stop, and the means to enforce compliance.   (c)  On or about September 21, 2023, in Plant B, employees were required to perform cleaning, maintenance, and servicing tasks on The Union Hot Melt Roller Coater, the procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques nor did the procedure identify all energy sources, thermal and pneumatic energy, the location to de-energize each energy source, steps to verify de-energization, and the means to enforce compliance.  (d)  On or about September 21, 2023, in Plant B, employees were required to perform cleaning, maintenance, and servicing tasks on The Union Tool Corporation Laminate Press, the procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques nor did the procedure identify all energy sources, thermal energy, pneumatic energy source and location to de-energize, steps to verify de-energization, and the means to enforce compliance.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $9,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the items listed under 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A), (c)(7)(i)(B), (c)(7)(i)(C).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;   (a)  On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, the employer did not ensure that each authorized employee received training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control. The employer did not train employees as authorized employees to lockout equipment such as but not limited to the Brute Optimizer conveying systems.  Employees were exposed to caught between and struck by hazards associated with the unexpected machine startup of energy sources such as, but not limited to, electrical.  Employees were not trained to understand how to control energy sources prior to performing repair tasks.  (b) On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, the employer did not provide employees with affected training in the purpose and use of the energy control procedures whose job required them to work in areas in which set up, servicing, or maintenance activities would be performed exposing employees to electrical and pneumatic energy sources and other hazards associated with the work being performed in the facility.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $9,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  On or about September 21, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sources, were performed.  Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant B of the facility. Employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in cleaning activities on The Union Tool Corporation Roll Coater. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to clean up. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in cleaning activities.   As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $9,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  On or about September 19, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sources, were performed.  Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant B of the facility. Employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in cleaning activities on The Union Tool Corporation Laminate Press. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to clean up. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in cleaning activities.  As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $9,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  On or about September 21, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sources, were performed.  Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant B of the facility. Employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in setup and cleaning activities on the Costa Sander. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to setup. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in cleaning and setup activities.  As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $12,421

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant A, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sources, were performed.  Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant A of the facility.   (a) On or about September 5, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in cleaning with an air hose inside the Hasko Flooring Machine. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to clean. The machine was not deenergized at an energy isolating device prior to the employee engaging in the servicing / maintenance activity.  (b) On or about September 12, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in changing heads as part of the set-up activities on the Hasko Flooring Machine. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to change the cutting heads. The machine was not deenergized at an energy isolating device prior to the employee engaging in the servicing/maintenance activity.   As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sources, were performed.  Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant B of the facility.   (a) On or about September 12, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in changing the side profile cutting head on the LMC Leadermac Speed Mac 523. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to set up. The machine was not deenergized at an energy isolating device prior to the employee engaging in the set-up activity.  (b) On or about September 12, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in troubleshooting an air leak on the LMC Leadermac Speed Mac 523. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to troubleshoot. The machine was not deenergized at an energy isolating device prior to the employee engaging in troubleshooting activities.  As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant A, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy sourses, were performed. Employees did not utilize energy control procedures when engaged in servicing and maintenance tasks in Plant A of the facility.   (a) On or about September 5, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in removing jammed boards on the Brute Optimizer. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to clear jams under the yellow and orange guard leading to the Brute and again under the guard to the right of the control station. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in the unjamming activity.   (b) On or about September 13, 2023, employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in servicing activities of replacing a cotter pin on the infeed conveyor leading to the Brute Optimizer conveying system.  The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps prior to allowing them to replace a sheared cotter pin under the orange cylindrical guard.  The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in the servicing/maintenance activity.    As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $12,421 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d):  The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  On or about September 12, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the employer did not ensure that all the steps outlined in 29 CFR 1910.147(d), required for the control of hazardous energy courses, were performed.  Employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts when they engaged in setup activities on the Ogden Group Eco Power Plus, Type Designation: TR88 Eco-Power-Plus, Serial Number 641. The employer did not ensure that employees implemented energy control application steps for the electrical and pneumatic energy sources prior to allowing them to set up. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in setup activities.   As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [1910.147(d)(3)], lockout/tagout device application [1910.147(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [1910(d)(5)(i)], and verification of isolation [1910.147(d)(6)] were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Mar 27, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $8,873

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(n)(7)(iii): On all grades the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back if applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface.  On or about September 12, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the forklift operator driving the Komatsu 25, Model:  FG258T-12, LP, S/N:  552726A, was traveling in the facility with the forks in a raised position exposing employees to struck by hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Mar 27, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1): If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On September 12, 2023, in Plant B, employees were exposed to hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operation while utilizing a Komatsu propane forklift, Model:  FG25ST-12, S/N:  552726A which was missing chunks of rubber in the rear right steering tires and worn to the safety line.   (b)  On September 12, 2023, in Plant B, employees were exposed to hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operation while utilizing a Caterpillar 60 propane forklift, No. D-664574 which was missing chunks of rubber in the rear steering tires.    (c)  On September 12, 2023, in Plant B, employees were exposed to hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operation while utilizing a Caterpillar 60 propane forklift, No. D-664574 which did not have a functioning strobe light nor back up alarm.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(b)(7): Feeder attachments shall have the feed rolls or other moving parts so covered or guarded as to protect the operator from hazardous points.   On or about September 12, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the Leadermac Speedmac 523 Molder did not have guarding for the ingoing feed rollers exposing employees to caught between hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(f)(1): Feed rolls and saws shall be protected by a hood or guard to prevent the hands of the operator from coming in contact with the in-running rolls at any point. The guard shall be constructed of heavy material, preferably metal, and the bottom of the guard shall come down to within three-eighths inch of the plane formed by the bottom or working surfaces of the feed rolls. This distance (three-eighths inch) may be increased to three-fourths inch, provided the lead edge of the hood is extended to be not less than 5 1/2 inches in front of the nip point between the front roll and the work.  On or about September 5, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant A, the CompuSaw Rip Saw used to rip boards had an unguarded in running nip point for the infeed/hold down rollers exposing employees to caught in hazard.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(r)(1): The feed rolls of roll type glue spreaders shall be guarded by a semicylindrical guard. The bottom of the guard shall come to within three-eighths inch of a plane formed by bottom or contact face of the feed roll where it touches the stock.  On or about September 12, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin; in Plant B, the Union Tool Corporation Roll Coater/Glue Machine was not provided adequate guarding to prevent access to the feed rollers during operation exposing employees to ingoing nip point hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2026

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $8,873

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(r)(4): The mention of specific machines in paragraphs (a) thru (q) and this paragraph (r) of this section, inclusive, is not intended to exclude other woodworking machines from the requirement that suitable guards and exhaust hoods be provided to reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of operation of such machines.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, the Mellott hydraulic shear had openings on the side exposing employees to caught in between hazards as the blade automatically activated to chop scrap wood into smaller pieces.    (b)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, the Crosscut Solutions, LLC Model:  14M-RH, S/N:  040603, upcut saw did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade on the infeed and outfeed side exposing them to the point of operation hazard.   (c)  On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, the Precision Products Company, Model:  14M, Serial 14-1429, upcut saw did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade on the infeed and outfeed side exposing them to the point of operation hazard.  (d)  On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, the Crosscut Solutions, LLC, Model:  14m_RH, S/N:  040602, upcut saw did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade on the infeed and outfeed side exposing them to the point of operation hazard.    (e)  On or about September 12, in Plant B, the Precision Products Company, Model:  14M, Serial 111245, upcut saw did not have adequate guarding to prevent employees from accessing the cutting blade on the infeed and outfeed side exposing them to the point of operation hazard.   (f)  During the week of September 4, 2023, in Plant B, an employee would stack boards to be cut in the Herringbone which did not have guarding for multiple blades exposing employees to rotating blades.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $8,873 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i):  All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, shall be protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafting completely or by a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting as location requires.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, the employer had multiple unguarded rotating shafts on the infeed roller system to the CompuSaw Rip Saw exposing employees to entanglement hazards.   (b)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, the Mattison Machine Rip Saw had a single rotating shaft on the operator right side under the hood exposing employees to entanglement hazards.    (c)  On or about December 13, 2023, in Plant B, the conveyor leading to The Union Tool Corporation Laminate Press had an unguarded rotating shaft with couplers exposing employees to entanglement hazards.  (d)  On or about December 13, 2023, in Plant B, the blue conveyor located between the Hasko Flooring Machine and the Hasko End Matcher had two unguarded rotating shafts on either end exposing employees to entanglement hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided.   At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, the infeed conveyor leading to the CompuSaw Rip Saw had an unguarded sprocket wheel located behind the main computer console exposing employees to rotating parts.  (b) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards created by a chain and sprocket on the outfeed side of the CompuSaw Rip Saw. The chain and sprocket were not effectively guarded to prevent exposure to the hazards.  (c) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards created by a chain and sprocket on the infeed conveyor leading to the Brute Optimizer. The chain and sprocket were not effectively guarded to prevent exposure to the hazards.  (d) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards created by a chain and sprocket on the Takeoff Conveyor #1 for the Block Piler when advancing the chain. The chain and sprocket were not effectively guarded to prevent exposure to the hazards.  (e) On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards created by a chain and sprocket on the Takeoff Conveyor #2 for the Block Piler when advancing the chain. The chain and sprocket were not effectively guarded to prevent exposure to the hazards.  (f)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, employees were exposed to ingoing nip points and caught in hazards created by a chain and sprocket on the Takeoff Conveyor #3 for the Block Piler when advancing the chain. The chain and sprocket were not effectively guarded to prevent exposure to the hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $7,098 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i):  Conductors entering cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings shall be protected from abrasion, and openings through which conductors enter shall be effectively closed.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road, in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A by the Brute Optimizer Saw, the infeed conveyor had conduit/steel tight with damage at the junction box by the table for the marking employees exposing employees to electrical shock hazards.  (b)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, at the control panel for Conveyor #49 and #13 integrated with the Brute Optimizer, the conduit was pulled from the electrical disconnect exposing employees to electrical shock hazards.  (c)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A by the Feed table the conduit was pulled exposing the wires to abrasion from moving lumber exposing employees to electrical shock hazards.   (d)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, the Leadermac Speedmac 523 Molder had a broken and open connection fitting, used to power the shaft, exposing wires to abrasion while employees were operating while being exposed to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A, the employer used flexible cords as a substitute for fixed wiring to power five foot pedals and a palm button used to advance the six Nesting conveyors. Each of the controls for the conveyors were plugged into an extension cord to reach an outlet, exposing employees to electrical shock and fire hazards.  (b)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B near the Leadermac Speedmac 523 machine feed table, the employer used a flexible cord as a substitute for fixed wiring to power a Chung Yuan Electric Co., Ltd, 9-inch, high velocity fan, exposing employees to electrical shock and fire hazards.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $24,842 · Current $20,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i):  The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  The employer does not ensure that periodic inspections of their energy control procedures are performed.  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant A and Plant B, employees performing servicing and maintenance activities did not have a periodic inspection conducted at least annually to ensure the steps in the energy control procedure are being followed and the employees involved knew their responsibilities under the procedure, exposing employees to the unexpected energization of the machine.  The WD Flooring LLC was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1526115, citation number 1, item number 2a and was affirmed as a final order on August 18, 2021, with respect to a workplace located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $24,842 · Current $12,421 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1):  Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks. Examples of guarding methods are-barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin:  The employer does not ensure that one or more methods of machine guarding is provided to protect the operator and other employees from machine hazards.  Employees are exposed to unguarded hazards such as in running nip points, caught in between, and struck by hazards in Plant A and Plant B.   (a)  On or about September 21, 2023, in Plant B, the C103 outfeed conveyor for the Mereen Johnson Gang Rip Saw had an unguarded in running nip point between the belt and drive roller exposing employees to caught in between hazards.   (b)  On or about September 21, 2023, in Plant B, the C116 Conveyor Table following the Laminate Press on the outfeed side had an unguarded in running nip point between the belt and drive roller exposing employees to caught in between hazards.    (c)  On or about September 21, 2023, Plant B, the outfeed conveyor C115 for Costa Sander had an unguarded in-running nip point between the belt and drive pulley exposing employees to caught in between hazards.  (d)  On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, by the End Matcher/Even Ender, the drive for the slat conveyor had a broken guard exposing employees to a rotating motor fan propeller exposing employees to struck by and caught in hazards.  (e)  On or about September 13, 2023, in Plant A, the Return Conveyor by the Grading Table along the main aisle had an unguarded motor fan propeller exposing employees to struck by and caught in hazards.     The WD Flooring LLC was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1526115, citation number 1, item number 5 and was affirmed as a final order on August 18, 2021, with respect to a workplace located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Mar 27, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(a)(6): The user shall see that all nameplates and markings are in place and are maintained in a legible condition.  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, the Caterpillar 60, Model:  GP30, Serial No. 7AM04119, did not have a legible nameplate to include the capacity of the lift with the forks which were attached.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Guarding. Pulleys, any parts of which are seven (7) feet or less from the floor or working platform, shall be guarded in accordance with the standards specified in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section. Pulleys serving as balance wheels (e.g., punch presses) on which the point of contact between belt and pulley is more than six feet six inches (6 ft. 6 in.) from the floor or platform may be guarded with a disk covering the spokes.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, on the outfeed conveyor for the Costa Wide Belt Sander, the Sew-Eurodrive motor had an unguarded belt and pulley assembly exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards created by the in-running nip points on the rubber belt and pulley.   (b)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, the Precision Products Company Up cut saw, Model:  14M, S/N:  141245 had an unguarded belt and pulley assembly exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards created by the in-running nip points on the rubber belt and pulley.

Issued

Feb 28, 2024

Abate by

Apr 1, 2025

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical and inclined belts shall be enclosed by a guard conforming to standards in paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.  At an establishment located at 5215 Mill Road in Laona, Wisconsin;  (a)  On or about September 5, 2023, in Plant B, on the outfeed conveyor for the Costa Wide Belt Sander, the Sew-Eurodrive motor had an unguarded belt and pulley assembly exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards created by the in-running nip points on the rubber belt and pulley.   (b)  On or about September 12, 2023, in Plant B, the Precision Products Company Up cut saw, Model:  14M, S/N:  141245 had an unguarded belt and pulley assembly exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards created by the in-running nip points on the rubber belt and pulley.

Issued

Jan 4, 2024

Abate by

Feb 2, 2024

Penalty

Initial $1,719 · Current $1,719

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.29(b)(3):  How quickly must each injury or illness be recorded? You must enter each recordable injury or illness on the OSHA 300 Log and 301 Incident Report within seven (7) calendar days of receiving information that a recordable injury or illness has occurred.  On or about September 5, 2023, at an establishment located at 5215 Mill Street, in Laona, Wisconsin; the employer did not record a workplace injury on the OSHA 300 Log for calendar year 2023.  A recordable injury which occurred in Plant A on or about July 6, 2023 was not recorded within seven days.