OSHA has cited Quail International Inc. with 23 safety and health violations at the company's Greensboro plant following an inspection that was initiated in January based on a complaint. Proposed penalties total $92,115.

Citations with $68,715 in penalties have been issued for 16 serious safety violations, including exposing workers to "struck-by" and electrical hazards as well as failing to protect workers from hand injuries, determine whether personal protective equipment such as eye protection is needed in the de-boning room, create specific steps to ensure that processing equipment will not accidentally start up while being cleaned, monthly inspect or annually maintain portable fire extinguishers and make exits in the de-boning room operable.

Citations with $23,400 in penalties have been issued for four serious health violations, including an unsanitary restroom, exposing workers to noise levels that exceed OSHA standards, and failing to provide hearing protection and annual audiograms for workers exposed to excessive noise.

Citations with no monetary penalties have been issued for three other-than-serious safety violations, including using a flexible electrical cord as permanent wiring, stringing electrical wiring through holes in the ceiling and improperly splicing a flexible electrical cord with duct tape in the shipping department.

"Employees have a right to expect a safe and healthy working environment, and OSHA will not allow employers to fail in their duty to protect workers," said William Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office.

Quail International processes and distributes quail meat. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.