OSHA has cited Jarvis Metals Recycling Inc. of Lubbock for 24 safety and health violations – 20 of them serious – for exposing workers to a host of hazards at its Lubbock, Texas facility. The company faces a proposed penalty of $64,400.

The company was inspected under the agency's Site- Specific Targeting Program that directs enforcement resources to high-hazard workplaces where high injury and illness rates occur.

The company was cited for exposing workers to unguarded machinery and electrical, noise, chemical and fall hazards at the company's Olive Avenue facility.

The 20 serious violations include failing to maintain electrical components in accordance with standards for safe electrical installations; guard industrial machinery; install a complete guardrail system; train workers about lead and cadmium hazards, as well as fall and struck-by hazards while operating powered industrial trucks with attachments; prevent overexposure to noise; provide a hearing conservation program; store compressed gas cylinders properly; and label stored propane properly.

The four other-than-serious violations include failing to remove damaged slings from use; issue and use approved respirators; establish a respiratory protection program; and repair damaged stairs.

The company, which employs about 63 workers statewide, was cited in April 2008 for 6 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation. Some of the current violations are similar to those found in the 2008 inspection.