The United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued a ruling that could have widespread implications for the bowling industry.
Last November, David Geiger was killed in an accident involving a pinsetting machine at Northwest Lanes in Fairfield, Ohio. Now, OSHA has ruled that the pinsetter mechanisms at the center lacked adequate guards to prevent employees from hazardous exposure to moving parts.
According to the OSHA report, Northwest Lanes lacked a program for preventing unintentional operation of machinery during service and maintenance including jams, a process known as lockout/tagout. The agency also noted that equipment — including pulleys, belts and shafts — lacked guards to prevent workers from coming near operating parts. Employees were also exposed to energized electrical components, OSHA said.
The federal agency is suggesting fines totaling $45,500. Northwest Lanes, which has extensive league, tournament and youth programs, is contesting the findings. Pinsetting machines, regardless of the manufacturer, have a long track record of safe use, and there were no witnesses to the accident at Northwest Lanes.
Read more here: http://www.fox19.com/story/28532450/osha-proposes-fines-for-fairfield-bowling-alley-where-worker-died
