Cedar Mill Fined More Than $150,000 for Safety Violations that Caused Disabling Injuries
The Washington Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) cited the employer for one willful violation and 28 serious violations of workplace safety regulations.
The Columbia Cedar mill in Kettle Falls, Wash., has been fined $151,800 for 29 safety violations after a worker was seriously hurt while trying to clear bark from a hopper.
A single willful violation involved multiple instances of employees working in close proximity to exposed and unguarded chain sprockets on chain conveyors, a hazard that can cause permanent disabling injuries. The one willful violation carries a penalty of $52,000. The company also received 28 serious violations.
