OSHA Cites AMF Bowling Centers Facility in Dallas, Texas

AMF Bowling Centers Inc. was cited for three serious and three repeat violations following the death of a worker at the company’s 300 Dallas facility on Belt Line Road in Addison, according to The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

OSHA initiated an inspection after receiving a report that a worker was fatally injured after being caught in a pinsetter machine while clearing a jam.

The serious violations involve failing to conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures; ensure fixed stairs were provided for access from one structural level to another; and ensure employees were protected from falling into the pinsetter machines by providing a guardrail system around the machines or a personal fall arrest system.

The repeat violations involve failing to provide machine guarding; provide guards for pulleys that were 7 feet or less from the floor; and ensure that flexible cords were connected to devices and fittings so tension would not be transmitted to the joints or terminal screws.

OSHA cited the company in January 2007 and June 2008 for similar violations. Proposed penalties total $112,600.

The company, which employs about 52 workers at the Addison facility, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference or contest the citations and penalties.

Source: OSHA