Indiana-based Wright Metal Products Crates, operating as WMP Crates, is facing $195,034 in penalties.
OSHA investigators at the company's Lavonia, Ga. site discovered workers were exposed to amputation, chemical and other safety hazards.
“Effectively implementing comprehensive safety and health programs that include steps for identifying and eliminating hazards protects workers, and prevents injuries and illnesses,” said William Fulcher, OSHA area director in Atlanta-East.
The metal container manufacturer failed to train workers on lockout/tagout; required workers to apply their own locks when performing die changes; and the company did not provide eye and face protection.
OSHA investigators found workers were exposed to hazardous paint fumes, propylene and oxygen cylinders were not separated and WMP Crates did not properly label chemicals.
The inspection was conducted as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations and the Regional Emphasis Program for Powered Industrial Trucks.
WMP Crates has 15 days from receipt of the citations to respond to OSHA, either through compliance, an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.