Auto Parts Maker Fined $15,604 for COVID Violations After Worker's Death

Thursday, February 25, 2021 | 0

An auto parts manufacturer in Missouri was fined $15,604 for allegedly failing to implement or enforce recommended COVID-19 protections after a worker died from the virus.

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration said two machine operators at the Grandview facility run by Peterson Manufacturing — operating as Maxi-Seal Harness Systems Inc. — tested positive for COVID-19 two days apart in August 2020. The two typically worked together for extended periods and less than 2 feet apart, and neither consistently wore a protective face mask.

Within 10 days, OSHA said two more workers at the facility tested positive. In September, one of them died.

“Maxi-Seal Harness Systems failed to fully implement and enforce the use of feasible controls for employees to prevent the spread of coronavirus,” said OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek in Kansas City. “We found that the company failed to implement use of face masks and social distancing properly throughout the workplace until after the death of an employee.”

OSHA said its investigation determined “with a reasonable degree of medical certainty” that the deceased worker contracted the virus while on the job.

Peterson Manufacturing was cited for one serious violation and one other-than-serious violation. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.