OSHA  has cited COL-Pump Co. Inc., with 10 health and safety violations, including two willful, for failing to monitor workers' exposure to noise hazards above 85 decibels at the Columbiana foundry. Proposed fines total $56,880.

OSHA initiated an inspection on Sept. 14, after receiving a complaint that alleged the lack of an effective hearing protection program. The two willful violations involved failing to establish a baseline audiogram within six months of an employees' first exposure to noise above the action level of 85 decibels and to provide annual audiograms to workers exposed to noise levels at or above allowable levels.

One repeat violation was issued for failing to implement administrative and engineering controls to lower exposure to noise in the grinding area of the facility. A similar violation was cited at the facility in 2009.

Two serious violations involved failing to maintain ladders in a safe condition and ensure machine guarding was affixed to a sand mixer system.

Prior to the Sept. 14 inspection, OSHA had inspected the company eight times, most recently in 2009 when seven citations were issued.