No Sweet Dreams for Sealy Mattress

OSHA has issued citations alleging four serious, two willful, two repeat, and two other-than-serious safety violations to the Sealy Mattress Co. (Medina, OH) with proposed penalties totaling $188,000.

The OSHA investigation began Jan. 12, following a complaint related to the amputation of a trainee's hand while working on a panel cutter in the company's sewing department. As a result of that inspection, OSHA issued alleged willful violations for the lack of sufficient protection through proper training and the lack of lockout/tagout procedures to insure employees were not exposed to moving parts. OSHA also issued alleged serious violations for blocked aisles and passageways; failure to perform necessary hazard assessments and employee training on needed personal protective equipment; lack of adequate emergency medical care procedures; inadequate guarding of blades; and improperly wired electrical outlets.

Citations were issued for repeat violations involving guarding of pulley and belt systems on machines where employees were exposed to hazards, and the lack of a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan to insure first aid responders are protected. OSHA also cited Sealy for other-than-serious violations involving the lack of a written emergency action plan and periodic inspection of the company's current lockout/tagout program.

Sealy has fifteen working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.