Local Company Facing Over $85,000 in Penalties from OSHA

North American Lighting in Paris is facing more than $85,000 in penalties after OSHA cited it for machine safety violations.  According to an OSHA press release, a master maintenance technician at North American Lighting suffered severe facial burns November 14^th when pressurized material in a plastic molding machine exploded.  An investigation into the incident determined the company “lacked energy control procedures to protect workers during maintenance work, a process known as lockout/tagout.”  OSHA also found that the company failed to review and test its lockout/tagout procedures annually for effectiveness, and ensure employees used eye and face protection.  OSHA cited North American Lighting for one repeat violation and three serious violations of machine safety standards and requirements for personal protective equipment.  The company was cited for similar violations in 2019 at the same facility.  North American Lighting is cooperating with OSHA and says it will meet with them regarding the citations.