Pet products company cited over worker’s severe facial burns
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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Monday that it cited a Texas pet products manufacturer after a worker suffered severe facial burns caused by molten plastic.
OSHA cited Arlington-based Doskocil Manufacturing Inc., operating as Petmate, for one “willful” violation and eight “serious” violations over the December 2003 accident and proposed $278,851 in penalties.
The accident occurred as three workers were using a pry bar to break off excess plastic while cleaning a structural foam machine. An injection nozzle dislodged during the process and sprayed molten plastic into the face of one of the workers, causing second- and third-degree burns.
OSHA said the company failed to isolate energy sources to protect workers from serious injuries, failed to develop safety procedures for safe cleaning of machinery, and didn’t provide eye protection for workers using structural foam machines.
Doskocil, which is now owned by global investment firm Platinum Equity, has 15 business days to contest the citation and proposed penalties.
