OSHA has cited Miller Compressing Co. in Milwaukee with two willful safety violations for allowing employees to perform maintenance on a shredder without first isolating the machine's energy source. The agency  opened an inspection upon receiving a complaint alleging hazards at the company's scrap processing facility. Proposed fines total $70,000.

"Miller Compressing Co. has a responsibility to ensure that workers are properly protected from known workplace hazards – such as machinery becoming unintentionally energized during maintenance – that can result in amputations and other serious injuries," said George Yoksas, OSHA's area director in Milwaukee.

Specifically, the willful violations are failing to lock out the electrical power source of a 7,000-horsepower shredder and have adequate energy control procedures in place for maintenance and servicing.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. This inspection is OSHA's third of the company; the last inspection was conducted in March 2011 and resulted in a citation for one violation.