What began as a fire in a titanium dust collection system at a precision machining shop in Vernon, Conn. resulted in OSHA identifying and citing 20 safety and health violations at Soldream Inc. Proposed fines total $59,290.

"In addition to fire and explosion hazards, workers at this facility faced serious cuts and amputations, electrocution, illnesses and other serious injuries due to a lack of safeguards," said Warren Simpson, OSHA's area director in Hartford. "Clearly, worker safety and health were not the priorities they should have been."