MARINETTE, WI- Waupaca Foundry in Marinette is facing its third fine from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since 2019, following a recent investigation prompted by two amputation injuries occurring within a span of 11 days in April and May 2023.
The U.S. Department of Labor initiated the probe after two employees in the mill room suffered amputation injuries. On April 27, 2023, a 29-year-old employee experienced a fingertip amputation when their hand became entangled in the pinch point between a chain link conveyor belt and discharge chute while trying to remove jammed parts. Just 11 days later, on May 8, 2023, a 20-year-old employee, who had been on the job for approximately six months, had their hand caught between a component and the stand grinding wheel, resulting in another fingertip amputation.
Both incidents occurred while the employees were using grinders to trim parts as part of the casting process and moving them through the manufacturing process via conveyors.
OSHA inspectors determined that inadequate machine guarding and insufficient energy control procedures at Waupaca Foundry were contributing factors in both accidents.
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