ALJ Decision in Ward Vessel & Exchanger Corporation, OSHRC Docket No. 21-0732, Becomes a Final Order of the Commission.

On the evening of January 23, 2021, one of Respondent’s employees got the tips of his fingers pinched in a plate rolling machine. (Tr. 185). This occurred when his supervisor, who was troubleshooting a power problem on the machine, activated it without ensuring the area was clear. The supervisor took the employee to the emergency room, where the employee was treated for his injuries and went home the following morning. Three days later, Respondent received a report from its insurance company, indicating the employee suffered an “amputation” of his fingertips. (Tr. 187). Upon receiving the report, Respondent called Complainant’s injury reporting line to report the injury. In response, Complainant initiated an inspection of Respondent’s worksite and issued a Citation and Notification of Penalty, alleging multiple violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.