Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/536121
28 PalletCentral • July-August 2015 palletcentral.com on the machine or in the immediate work area for quick reference by employees. Of course, in addition to abiding by these work practices, any maintenance or repair of band saws and dismantling equipment should only be done after the equipment is properly de-energized, any stored hydraulic or pneumatic forces drained off, and the equipment is tagged/locked out. Moreover, training and safe work practices presume that the employer "recognizes" the hazard and has created the work practices to protect workers from harm by the hazardous situation. If a hazard is known and not corrected, or if controls or work practices are implemented but then are discontinued, OSHA will issue willful citations that can result in $70,000 penalties for each affected worker, and can even criminally prosecute supervisors and owners in the event of a fatal accident. Whatever practices are ultimately adopted by the employer as feasible for pallet operation equipment, employee training is critical and must be well-documented. If workers do not understand the safe work procedures, they are at high risk of injury. If workers fail to follow the safe work procedures after receiving appropriate training and supervision, they need to be disciplined. Unenforced rules are no rules at all. PC Adele L. Abrams is an attorney and safety professional who represents companies in litigation with OSHA and also pro- vides safety training and consultation. The Law Office of Adele L. Abrams PC has three offices: Beltsville, MD; Denver, CO; and Charleston, WV. Adele can be reached at 301-595- 3520 or www.safety-law.com. Resources OSHA QuickTakes Newsletter http://1.usa.gov/1qF1fUe Safeguarding Equipment and Protecting Workers from Amputations http://1.usa.gov/1Rwjy7d OSHA Library (By Topic, By Type, Bilingual) http://1.usa.gov/1TNfUd4 OSHA-NWPCA-NIOSH Documents http://1.usa.gov/1QQ0BBj SAFETY