OMAHA – Hastings Acquisition LLC, doing business as Nebraska Prime Group, faces fines of $195,100 for 11 safety violations after a worker became caught in a machine and was asphyxiated, according to the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

The worker was asphyxiated when his clothing was caught in the drive roller of a hide belt, according to the agency. The company received two willful violations involving improper machine guarding and no supplying sufficient number of lockout devices to secure energy sources of mechanical equipment, OSHA said.

"All employers must take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards from the workplace," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo.

The agency also cited Nebraska Prime for nine serious violations that involve a failure to:

• Train workers to protect themselves from hazards of loose clothing around moving equipment;
• Conduct periodic inspections of energy control procedures;
• Properly train workers in energy control procedures;
• Prevent unauthorized alterations to forklifts; maintain legible data-plates for forklifts;
• Train and evaluate competency of powered industrial truck drivers;
• Keep powered trucks in need of repair out of operation;
• Regularly inspect forklifts; and
• Correctly use electrical cords and cables.

Hastings Acquisition has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Omaha, or contest the findings.