Staffing buyer Shield Packaging in Dudley, Mass., will pay $150,000 in penalties after an agency employee was injected with a flammable propellant gas, the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced last week. Two staffing firms will also have to pay approximately $12,000 each.

The Shield Packaging facility packages aerosol containers and failed to put in place required procedures to lock out the machine’s power sources or train the employee on how to recognize and avoid the hazard, according to OSHA.

In addition to the penalty, the company will have to document with OSHA that hazards have been corrected, bring in an engineer to approve the design and installation of a safety interlock on the machine that injured the worker; retain a safety consultant to perform a comprehensive inspection of the plant; and develop a workplace safety and health program.

OSHA also cited ASI Staffing Group Corp. of Leominister, Mass., and Southern Mass Staffing of Worcester, Mass. ASI agreed to pay $12,471 in penalties, and Southern Mass agreed to pay $12,222.

“The Shield Packaging Co. Inc., ASI Staffing Group Corp., and Southern Mass Staffing are jointly responsible for maintaining a safe work environment for temporary workers,” OSHA Area Director Mary Hoye said. “These settlements will help ensure that a comprehensive safety program will be developed to protect all workers — permanent and temporary — from injuries and illnesses.”

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