Auto supplier cited for safety violations

A Perrysburg Township manufacturing company faces fines totaling $37,620 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Hinkle Manufacturing Inc. on D Street in Ampoint Industrial Park, makes custom-designed packaging for the auto industry.

The most serious charge resulted from an inspection in October. Hinkle was fined $13,860 for failing to have machine guarding on a slitter, exposing employees to injury. It was considered a repeat violation because the company was cited for a similar situation last year. The company also was cited by OSHA for the same violation after a worker had a fingertip amputated by an unguarded band saw in 2011.

The company also was fined for not properly training employees who set up the slitter, and for not having lockout devices on it before operators set up the slitter.

The company was also fined after an employee was injured in August after being struck by a lift truck whose operator’s vision was obstructed by a large load. The company was fined again for not ensuring that the lift truck operator received refresher training after the accident.

As with all OSHA fines, the company had 15 days to pay the fine, contest the findings, or request a hearing with OSHA officials.