OSHA has cited a manufacturing plant for four safety violations, including a repeat violation for failing to protect workers by locking out the energy sources of presses at its facility, following an inspection that began in October 2011. The company manufactures automotive parts using hot and cold forging methods. Proposed fines total $51,000.

The repeat violation is for failing to lock out the energy sources of mechanical and hydraulic forging presses during die changes, servicing and/or maintenance. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for the same violation in February 2010.  The company also has been cited with three serious violations for

• failing to use specific procedures for the control of hazardous energy, 
• to use group hazardous energy control procedures for multiple exposed workers conducting maintenance on presses and 
• to inspect energy control procedures at least annually. 

A serious violation occurs 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.  The companu has been inspected by OSHA 13 times since 1990, resulting in citations for 52 violations.  Click Here to see the entire press release.