OSHA has cited Bazzini Holdings LLC with 15 workplace safety and health violations following an incident in which a worker's arm was amputated at the company's Allentown facility. Bazzini Holdings, which employs about 250 workers at the Allentown site, manufactures fine chocolates and nut products.

OSHA's inspection, initiated in November 2011 after the agency was notified of the amputation, found three repeat, eight serious and four other-than-serious violations.

The repeat violations involve electrical hazards and uncovered projecting shafts. The same violations were cited in 2008. 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 serious violations include additional electrical hazards as well as the company's failure to use specific procedures for controlling hazardous energy; provide general machine and power transmission guarding; develop and implement a hazard communication program; and implement a hearing conservation program that includes noise engineering controls, noise monitoring, audiometric testing and hearing conservation training.

The other-than-serious violations involve missing electrical covers, unsecured machinery and personal protective equipment deficiencies.

"Bazzini Holdings previously was cited for the same hazards and failed to correct them," said Jean Kulp, director of OSHA's Allentown Area Office, which conducted the inspection.

Proposed penalties total $56,400.