Accident – Death – Obituary News :

The U.S. Department of Labor Proposes $1.4 Million Fine for Wisconsin Sawmill Following Fatal Incident

Introduction

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently announced its proposal to impose fines of nearly $1.4 million on Florence Hardwoods, LLC, a sawmill located in Wisconsin. The DOL accuses the sawmill of violating federal child labor laws, which led to a tragic incident resulting in the death of a 16-year-old worker. This article will provide a detailed account of the incident, shed light on the alleged violations, and present the responses from both the DOL and Florence Hardwoods.

The Tragic Incident

In June 2023, a 16-year-old worker named Michael Schuls tragically lost his life at Florence Hardwoods. The DOL’s investigation revealed that Schuls became trapped in a stick stacker machine while attempting to unjam it. He remained trapped until he was discovered and freed, but unfortunately passed away on July 1 after being transported to Milwaukee Children’s Hospital.

Alleged Violations

The DOL’s proposed fines stem from their findings that Florence Hardwoods allowed several underage workers to be exposed to dangerous hazards and perform maintenance on equipment without proper training or adherence to safety protocols. Investigators discovered that the sawmill employed nine children, aged 14 to 17, to operate machinery such as a chop saw, rip saw, and other automated machines used in lumber processing – all of which are considered hazardous for workers under the age of 18 according to federal law.

Furthermore, the DOL revealed that three children, aged 15 to 16, sustained injuries in separate incidents between November 2021 and March of this year. The company also employed seven children, aged 14 and 15, outside the legally permitted working hours.

Response from the U.S. Department of Labor

Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su expressed her concern and condemnation regarding the violations at Florence Hardwoods. She emphasized that federal child labor and safety regulations exist to protect young workers from such risks, and to hold employers accountable for their actions. The DOL’s investigation has categorized the violations as serious, willful, and, in some cases, egregious.

Florence Hardwoods’ Statements

Florence Hardwoods issued a statement to WLUC-TV in response to the DOL’s allegations. The company claimed that the statements made by the federal agency were misleading and did not accurately represent the situation at their sawmill.

The sawmill contended that the teens working at the facility were part of formal apprenticeship programs provided through state and local high schools, internships, and school-to-work programs established with the cooperation of the local high school and Florence County Sherriff’s Department.

Florence Hardwoods also clarified that Schuls and other youth employees worked in the planning-mill, which is in compliance with state and federal regulations. They emphasized that the planning-mill is a separate building from the sawmill, implying that the DOL’s characterization of the entire operation as a sawmill was incorrect.

The company further stated that their youth and adult workers received safety and lockout/tagout training, contrary to the DOL’s assertions. They acknowledged the need to address any deficiencies in their safety program and committed to moving forward with the OSHA abatement process while raising concerns about what they perceived as unfair and politically motivated actions on the part of the DOL.

The Ongoing Process

Following Michael Schuls’ tragic death, Florence Hardwoods took immediate action by removing all employees under the age of 18 from their facility. The DOL has already imposed fines totaling $190,696 for child labor violations, and now proposes an additional $1.4 million in fines. Florence Hardwoods is now in the process of working with the DOL to rectify any deficiencies and ensure compliance with safety regulations.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of Labor’s proposed fines against Florence Hardwoods highlight the importance of adhering to federal child labor laws and safety regulations. The tragic incident that led to the death of a 16-year-old worker has raised concerns about underage workers’ exposure to hazardous conditions and the need for proper training and safety protocols. Moving forward, it is crucial for employers to prioritize the safety of their workforce, especially when it involves young individuals who may be more vulnerable to workplace hazards.

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