A farm supply company faces more than a quarter million dollars in penalties for failing to take a malfunctioning forklift out of service, despite employees’ complaints about faulty brakes.

OSHA has cited Rural King Supply Inc., for failing to maintain forklifts properly at its Xenia, Ohio facility. Proposed penalties are $258,672.

OSHA responded to complaints that the company allowed employees to operate a damaged forklift, despite employees’ reports of faulty brakes. OSHA investigators determined that the company failed to take the forklift out of service, or perform needed repairs.

"This employer ignored employee concerns about unsafe conditions, disregarded safety procedures, and put their workers at risk for serious injuries by failing to maintain safe equipment,” said Ken Montgomery, OSHA Cincinnati Area Office Director.