An unapproved C-clamp used to attach a load to the hook of an overhead crane slid off a 2,600-pound press brake ram as it was lifted, causing the ram to fall to the ground and pin a worker, resulting in his leg being amputated at the knee.

An OSHA investigation stemming from the March accident at a Lakewood, Colorado metal fabricator resulted in 13 safety violations and $82,600 in proposed penalties.

G2K Corp., doing business as GBC Inc. received a willful citation for failing to use an approved lifting device to attach the load to the hook of the overhead crane.

A repeat violation was for failing to guard a lathe and two milling machines. A similar violation was cited in 2009 at the Lakewood work site.

The eight serious violations involve forklift-powered industrial trucks which include failing to provide seat belts; conduct daily inspections and train workers; failing to inspect lifting slings and remove damaged slings from service; failing to secure grinders and drill presses to the floor; properly adjust work rests and peripheral guards on bench grinders; reduce compressed air used for cleaning purposes to less than 30 psi; and correct hazard communication program deficiencies. These deficiencies include failing to identify all hazardous chemicals in the workplace, failing to ensure chemical containers were properly labeled and failing to provide material safety data sheets for all chemicals.

Three other-than-serious violations involve failing to label exit doors, failing to mark voltage ratings on electrical panels and make them accessible and failing to label circuit breakers.

GBC Inc. is a custom metal fabricator and machining facility that employs approximately 50 workers.