OSHA Investigates Graphic Packaging For More Than 20 Safety Violations

WEST MONROE, LA—December 30, 2014—After the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Graphic Packaging International for more than 20 safety violations this month, KNOE 8 News reports the company is working to resolve the issues. Graphic Packaging has 15 business days from receipt of the citation to pay the penalty of about $129,000, contest the violations or comply.

OSHA began investigating the company's West Monroe, LA, facility after a worker's hand was caught in a printing press in June of this year.

OSHA Media Representative Juan Rodriguez told KNOE 8 News that Graphic Packaging was cited for "…exposing workers to machine hazards, falling to guard all the nit points or pinch points on large printing presses and failing to implement lock out, tag out procedures to shut down the equipment properly, (and) to protect the workers during maintenance and repair."

In addition, OSHA investigators contend that Graphic Packaging failed to inspect for defective slings, attachments and fastenings that handle material; did not provide guardrails on platforms above the machines; and did not annually review its confined space program. The company was also fined for electrical hazards and failure to illuminate an exit sign.

Graphic Packaging employs more than 9,000 people internationally, with over 400 staff members at the West Monroe plant.