Ohio plant fined $113,500 for safety and health violations

The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced citations against Miller-Holzwarth Inc. of Salem, Ohio, with proposed penalties totaling $113,500, following a workplace safety and health inspection that began in August 2005.

OSHA officials opened an inspection after they received information that an employee suffered an amputation injury while operating a press, and that employees were improperly trained to operate certain hazardous equipment at the business, which produces components for armored vehicles. The agency issued citations for two willful, 12 serious and six other-than-serious alleged violations.

"Strong enforcement is a key part of OSHA's efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses," said Rob Medlock, OSHA area director in Cleveland. "The significant penalty of $113,500 in this case demonstrates our commitment to protecting the health and safety of America's workers."

OSHA issued citations for serious violations relating to lack of employee training and personal protective equipment and deficiencies in machine guarding. The willful citations alleged that a power press was operated without machine guards and that the company failed to conduct necessary safety inspections on mechanical power presses.

Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard for, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. A serious citation is issued when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.