US Department of Labor finds child labor, safety violations at Meadville manufacturing facility after investigation of 16-year-old worker’s injury

MEADVILLE, PA – Multiple U.S. Department of Labor investigations into a minor-aged worker’s fingertip amputation in May 2024 found a Meadville manufacturing company violated federal law and exposed employees to a half dozen serious workplace safety violations.  

The department’s Wage and Hour Division and Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated metal components manufacturer Fostermation Inc. and determined a 16-year-old suffered a thumb tip amputation while operating a metal forming machine. 

“Child labor laws were established to protect minors from workplace dangers. Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of young workers,” said Wage and Hour Division Assistant District Director Catherine Glencoe in Charleston, West Virginia.

OSHA conducted a complaint investigation and another under its National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries, and identified amputation and machine-guarding hazards and deficiencies in its lockout/tagout procedures, which prevent machines from accidentally starting. 

The company has paid the department $50,192 in civil money penalties for its violations of child labor regulations and $14,700 in a settlement with OSHA to resolve the six serious and one other-than-serious violations found by inspectors. 

Learn more about the Wage and Hour Division, including a search tool to use if you think you may be owed back wages collected by the division. Employers and workers can call the division with questions through the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Download the agency’s Timesheet App for iOS and Android devices to ensure hours and pay are accurate. 

Learn more about OSHA and information on workplace safety for teens at OSHA’s website Young Workers – You have rights!