South Coast Paper in Maplesville, Alabama, faces $227,040 in OSHA fines after a worker died on the job.
On September 28, 2022, three employees were working on a line of a sheeter machine at the paper mill.
A sheeter machine is a system of six machines connected by metal conveyors that turn paper rolls into copier paper.
One of the conveyor belts had stopped and the workers tried to replace the belt's motor without cutting power to the machines.
A hot wire touched the ground, energizing the machine, and a 36-year-old worker was electrocuted when he grabbed a metal rail connected to the system.
OSHA cited the company for one willful violation and one repeat violation after being previously fined for a similar violation at its Burlington, New Jersey, facility in June 2022.
South Coast Paper was also cited for lack of machine guarding and training, and not providing clear access in front of a 480-volt breaker panel.
