Federal agency wants to fine Wisconsin hardwood mill $1.4 million for violations found after teen’s death

The Associated Press
December 20, 2023
Category: Health & Safety
Region: United States, US East

FLORENCE, Wisconsin — A federal agency wants to fine a northern Wisconsin sawmill more than $1 million after inspectors said they found “egregious” violations at the site following a June accident that killed a teenage worker. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Tuesday that it proposed fining Florence Hardwoods $1.4 million for numerous violations of federal safety and health regulations, including for “the most serious violations the agency issues.” Florence Hardwoods previously agreed to pay nearly $191,000 and stop hiring children under the age of 16 to settle a federal lawsuit labor regulators filed against the mill. …OSHA said it has cited Florence Hardwoods for eight willful, six repeat, 29 serious and four other-than-serious violations of federal safety and health regulations. Five of the willful citations were categorized as “egregious — the most serious violations the agency issues.” Florence Hardwoods said Tuesday that it plans to appeal the findings.

 

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