Washington state authorities have fined one of the world's leading paper and pulp companies nearly $650,000 after one of its employees was crushed by a packing machine earlier this year.The penalty comes after Dakota Cline, 32, was killed on March 8 while working on a machine at Georgia-Pacific's paper mill in Camas, about 20 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, The Columbian reported.
The Department of Labor and Industries said Georgia-Pacific failed to follow basic procedures to make sure the machinery wouldn't accidentally turn on and failed to ensure that when permanent guards around machines are removed that they are replaced by other guards. The company also didn't ensure procedures were used to protect employees working in isolated areas, according to the state department.Georgia-Pacific is appealing the department's decision.