OSHA has cited ProMaxima Manufacturing Ltd. in Houston with nine serious safety violations for inadequately guarded machinery among other hazards. Proposed penalties total $47,700.

OSHA's Houston South Area Office opened an inspection in response to a referral from the Labor Department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs about workers seen using inadequately guarded saws and grinders. ProMaxima manufactures fitness equipment for various federal agencies.

The violations include failing to properly guard machinery such as saws and grinders, provide lockout/tagout procedures for machines' energy sources, properly store gas cylinders, keep electrical equipment free and clear of obstacles, and train and certify forklift operators. 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 employer exposed workers to amputations as well as fire and electrical hazards," said Mark Briggs, director of OSHA's Houston South office. "It is the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe and healthful environment for workers."

ProMaxima Manufacturing, which employs about 200 workers, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's Houston South area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.