Attorney Brooks Schuelke Calls for Greater Worker Safety Standards After OSHA Cites Texas Manufacturer for Violations Leading to Serious Injury

Following a U.S. Department of Labor investigation, federal workplace safety inspectors determined that serious injuries suffered by an employee at Artco-Bell Corp., a Temple-based furniture manufacturer, could have been prevented with proper safety measures. The investigation, which focused on a machinery accident in April 2024, revealed that the company failed to install the required machine guards, exposing workers to significant hazards. This incident resulted in severe and permanent injuries to an employee’s hand and arm.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued 24 serious violations to Artco-Bell Corp., with proposed penalties totaling $257,183. The safety violations included the absence of machine guards and insufficient protection against respirable crystalline silica hazards. Attorney Brooks Schuelke of Schuelke Law, a personal injury law firm based in Austin, emphasizes the importance of enforcing and adhering to safety standards to protect workers from preventable harm.

Addressing Workplace Safety Failures to Protect Workers

Attorney Brooks Schuelke highlights this incident as an urgent example of the risks associated with workplace safety neglect, particularly in manufacturing environments with powerful machinery. “Companies must prioritize worker safety, especially when employees are operating or maintaining large machines. OSHA has standards and many employers have safety rules and protocol. But those are worthless if the employers don’t make sure the rules and standards are followed. Failing to implement basic safety precautions puts workers at serious risk of life-altering injuries,” Schuelke stated.

According to OSHA standards, employers are required to install appropriate machine guarding to protect operators and nearby employees from hazards. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to citations and penalties, as seen in the case of Artco-Bell Corp., which was issued 24 violations for safety and health infractions.

The recent OSHA investigation found that the worker’s injuries occurred when a garden hose, being used to clean machine rollers, was caught, pulling the employee’s arm into the machinery. This incident highlights how routine cleaning can lead to significant injuries without proper safety mechanisms.

Schuelke Law Stands with Injured Workers in the Fight for Justice

Schuelke Law has a longstanding commitment to representing workers harmed due to employer negligence. Attorney Brooks Schuelke calls for employers to provide a safe environment for employees and injured workers to understand their rights. “In cases like this, injured workers must know they have legal options to seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and other damages,” Schuelke explains.

For victims of workplace injuries, taking immediate action can be essential to protecting their rights and building a solid legal case. Schuelke advises workers to document their injuries and communicate with safety authorities as soon as possible after an accident. By advocating for better safety standards and assisting injured workers, the firm aims to reduce the number of injuries in hazardous work environments.

Improving Workplace Safety

Artco-Bell Corp., a designer and manufacturer of educational furniture since 1965, has 15 days from the receipt of OSHA’s citations to comply with or contest the findings. Schuelke encourages Texas, manufacturers to use this case as a catalyst to review and improve their safety measures.

“While OSHA citations highlight areas of concern, proactive change can prevent these citations from happening in the first place. Texas employers have a duty to protect their workers by staying vigilant and upholding safety standards,” Schuelke added.