Employees of Roytex, Inc. were exposed to electrical hazards, flaking lead paint and asbestos and other hazards, according to OSHA, which issued 18 serious safety and health violations to the Meridian, MS textile company. Proposed fines total $46,340.

Following a safety inspection, OSHA has cited Roytex for 14 serious violations with a proposed penalty of $33,740. The hazards include failing to provide fixed stairs and railings where required; lack of a back-up alarm for a powered industrial truck; failing to block the wheels of trailers being loaded and unloaded; several electrical deficiencies; and failing to provide machine guarding at pinch points between the belt and pulley on the conveyor.

A separate health inspection revealed four serious violations with $12,600 in proposed penalties. These include failing to treat and label insulation-containing asbestos; monitoring for employee exposure to asbestos; failing to keep surfaces free from accumulation of lead from flaking and pealing wall paint; and failing to provide a written hazard communication program addressing how to work safely with hazardous chemicals.

"OSHA will not allow companies to endanger the safety and health of its workers as a means to reduce business expenses," said Clyde Payne, OSHA's area director in Jackson, Miss.