OSHA Inspection: HOWMET AEROSPACE INC.

Issued

Nov 25, 2025

Penalty

Initial $13,240 · Current $13,240

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.  (a)	On or about August 20, 2025, the employer did not ensure effective machine guarding was provided for the KATSO #1 Bandsaw, exposing employees to serious hazards such as crush injuries and entanglement with moving parts, particularly the sliding saw assembly. The existing interlock systems intended to secure the gates in the operators' station, and the side perimeter stairs were ineffective. This design flaw allowed operators to step onto the operating platform and into the danger area while the machine was operational, significantly increasing the risk of workplace injuries.  (b)	On or about August 20, 2025, the employer did not ensure effective machine guarding was provided for the KATSO #2 Bandsaw, exposing employees to serious hazards such as crush injuries and entanglement with moving parts, particularly the sliding saw assembly. The operator's station lacked a gate on the platform side which rendered the interlock system ineffective. This design flaw allowed operators to step onto the operating platform and into the danger area while the machine was operational, significantly increasing the risk of workplace injuries.