Thompson Hardwoods Inc.
Outcome
Thompson Hardwoods Inc. was cited for one willful, one repeat, two serious, and one other-than-serious OSHA violation and fined $267,327 after a 24-year-old worker was fatally injured on December 18, 2023 when a woodchipper unexpectedly activated while he attempted to clear a log jam.
Details
Thompson Hardwoods Inc. — 24-Year-Old Killed by Unexpectedly Activated Woodchipper (2023–2024)
Outcome: A 24-year-old worker at Thompson Hardwoods Inc. in Hazlehurst, Georgia was fatally injured on December 18, 2023 when a shape chipper unexpectedly activated while he cleared a log jam; OSHA cited the company for one willful and one repeat lockout/tagout violation and proposed $267,327 in penalties.
On December 18, 2023, a 24-year-old worker at Thompson Hardwoods Inc.'s Hazlehurst, Georgia hardwood processing facility went to clear a log jam in a shape chipper. The chipper unexpectedly activated while he was in contact with the equipment. The worker was transported to a hospital but died from his injuries.
OSHA's investigation found that Thompson Hardwoods had added new machinery to the facility without implementing the required hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) procedures for that equipment before workers were allowed to service or maintain it. The willful violation reflected the company's failure to document and follow lockout/tagout procedures for the shape chipper. The repeat violation reflected a prior citation for failure to apply lockout/tagout devices. Two serious violations covered inadequate worker training on the procedures and failure to properly enclose the chain and sprocket on the shape chipper. OSHA proposed $267,327 in penalties.
Primary Source: US Department of Labor cites Georgia sawmill for willfully exposing workers after 24-year-old employee fatally injured
How Crucible Prevents This
Woodchipper and shape chipper equipment in sawmill and hardwood processing operations requires machine-specific lockout/tagout energy isolation before any worker attempts to clear jams or perform maintenance. A Crucible pre-task gate requiring documented lockout procedure completion — with confirmation that each energy source for the specific machine model is listed, isolated, and verified — would have prevented the equipment from unexpectedly activating while the worker's hands were inside the machine.
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