OSHA has cited Podnar Plastics Inc. in Kent, Ohio with seven safety violations, including one willful, for failing to ensure that a mold machine's point-of-operation was guarded. OSHA opened an inspection in June after receiving complaints alleging hazards at the facility, which manufactures plastic containers. Proposed penalties total $64,400.

Five serious violations involve failing to develop machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures and then train authorized employees on the procedures, guard points of operation on equipment, ensure that employees wear safety glasses while using a grinder, train workers to use portable fire extinguishers and provide proper hand protection for workers required to handle hot parts.

One other-than-serious violation is failing to ensure that all exits are accessible.

Podnar Plastics has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed 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 of the company represents OSHA's fourth.