Seattle-based Company Fined for Multiple Workplace Violations

National Products, Inc., a Seattle-based company that manufactures electronics mounting systems and other products, is facing more than $250,000 in fines for multiple serious and willful worker safety and health violation that led to employee amputations and burn injuries.

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) inspected several of the company’s sites and found numerous violations during three separate inspections this year. The department’s investigations identified 26 violations including multiple serious and willful violations. The fines collectives totaled more than $250,000.

The department states that this is not the company’s first time facing serious violations.

“We’ve cited this employer before for several of these very serious hazards, but the company continues to put its workers at risk,” Anne Soiza, the department’s assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health, said in the statement.

The company is now listed as a severe violator. This designation carries consequences including follow up inspection at any of their facilities or sites that could have similar hazards. The employer has 15 business days to appeal the citations.

The finger amputations and burn injuries occurred at two separate locations—pointing to a company-wide problem.

Amputations

One worker lost several fingers while working on a trimming press machine that was in disrepair. Other problems include heavy machinery with emergency stop buttons that were either blocked, missing or in disrepair. Further, the state department found worn-out and unaligned springs that made the operator visually line up as contributing factors in the injury.

Burn Injuries

A burn injury happened at another National Products facility. Workers were carrying molten aluminum from one machine to another in ladles slung over their backs. However, the workers were not wearing proper personal protection equipment.

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Amputations and burn injuries are serious injuries. If you or a loved one is facing the damages that come along with a workplace injury, contact The Carlson Law Firm. Workplace injury litigation requires specialized knowledge. We have years of experience representing injured workers. We are experts in representing families in wrongful death cases. Our years of experience and expertise gives us an advantage when handling cases. Don’t let another moment pass without an experienced advocate on your side to protect your rights and fight for your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation with a Texas workplace injury lawyer.