OSHAhas cited St. Louis-based manufacturer American Pulverizer Co. for one repeat, 31 serious and one other-than-serious safety violation. OSHA's inspection of the reduction equipment manufacturing facility was initiated in February under a local emphasis program focused on electrical safety in general industry establishments. Proposed penalties total $121,100.

The repeat violation relates to a lack of grounding continuity in electrical equipment. A similar violation was cited in October 2006. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

The serious violations address hazards associated with cranes, lockout/tagout of energy sources, powered industrial trucks, electrical equipment, flammable liquids and gas, welding, housekeeping and machine guarding. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The other-than-serious violation involves a record-keeping deficiency. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.