Pace Industries, Inc. of Harrison, Ark., allegedly failed to protect employees against burns from molten metal and to follow safety standards for guarding machinery and preventing falls, according to citations issued to the aluminum castings manufacturer by OSHA.

OSHA has proposed penalties of $431,650 for almost 50 alleged health and safety violations the agency uncovered during an inspection that began Dec. 9, 2002. The Harrison plant was selected for the inspection based on the high rate of injuries and illnesses it reported to OSHA last year. The company employs about 600 workers at its 62/65 Bypass facility in Harrison. Corporate headquarters are in Carthage, Mo.

Citations issued for the safety inspection included two alleged willful, 26 serious and one other-than-serious violation. The two willful safety citations were for failure to conduct annual inspections of energy control procedures and improper machine guarding.

Citations issued for the health inspection included three alleged willful, 15 serious and two other-than-serious violations. The willful health violations were for failing to ensure that employees exposed to being struck by molten metal used proper clothing, foot protection and appropriate personal protective equipment.