The serious citations address numerous instances of unguarded or inadequately guarded moving machine parts that exposed workers to the risk of laceration, amputation or crushing injuries. Electrical hazards including misused electrical equipment, lack of safe electrical work practices and personal protective equipment, and employees working on live electrical equipment. Fire and explosion hazards stemming from combustible dust in improperly designed processing equipment and dust collection systems. Combustible materials stored next to a heated press adjacent to an exit route; flammable liquids used in close proximity to ignition sources, and improper disposal of rags and swabs soaked with flammable liquids. 

Additional hazards included inadequate fall protection and not conducting initial monitoring to determine employees' exposure levels to hexavalent chromium. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known.  

Whitcraft has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Hartford Area Office.