OSHA has cited aluminum castings producer Trio Foundry Inc., which operates as Sandwich Castings and Machine, with 20 health and safety violations, including one willful and one repeat violation. A health inspection that began Jan. 13 was initiated at the facility in Sandwich as part of OSHA's Local Emphasis Program for Primary Metals. Upon finding several safety violations, OSHA subsequently opened a safety inspection on Feb. 10. Proposed penalties total $113,300.

"Trio Foundry Inc. is responsible for ensuring that workers are properly protected from inherent hazards in the metal casting industry, such as amputations," said Kathy Webb, OSHA's area director in North Aurora. "Employers cited with repeat violations demonstrate a disregard for workplace safety and health laws. “

The willful safety violation is failing to protect the operator of a belt sander from "caught-in" hazards and rotating parts.

The repeat safety violation involves a lack of guarding on an abrasive grinder wheel. Similar violations at the same facility were cited in 2009.

Nine serious safety violations involve a lack of machine guarding, the documentation of "lockout/tagout" procedures for machines' energy sources, proper electrical equipment maintenance, personal protective equipment and safety training for maintenance workers handling electrical equipment. Seven serious health violations involve using an unsecured propane tank as fuel for heat as well as failing to provide personal protective equipment against exposure and contact to molten metal, ensure adequate housekeeping to prevent aluminum dust accumulation on surfaces and floors, train and evaluate forklift drivers, and provide workers with hazardous chemical safety information and training in hazard communication.

Two other-than-serious violations involve failing to maintain a written and certified personal protective equipment hazard assessment as well as certification that employees received training in the use of the equipment.

The citations can be viewed at: www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/TrioFoundry_111193_191156_0710_12.pdf*.

In addition to the Sandwich facility, Aurora-based Trio Industries operates a foundry in Montgomery. The Sandwich facility, where about 25 workers are employed, has been inspected by OSHA four other times since 2007.