OSHA has cited Tsudis Chocolate Co. Inc. for 19 alleged safety violations at its Pittsburgh manufacturing facility. Proposed penalties total $87,260.

The agency opened its inspection after an employee sustained crushing injuries to the right hand and wrist because a machine inadvertently activated while he set it up. The inspection was also conducted in accordance with OSHA's Emphasis Program on Amputations.

"Tsudis Chocolate could have prevented this unfortunate incident by having the proper hazardous energy controls in place," said Christopher Robinson, director of the OSHA Pittsburgh Area Office.

Three of the violations were repeat, for failing to properly guard points of operation on machinery; provide appropriate electrical protective equipment when employees worked on energized electrical parts; and ensure that containers were labeled, tagged or marked with the identification of the hazardous chemicals. Similar violations were cited in 2011.

Other violations incuded failing to address electrical hazards; to create energy control procedures for equipment; conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedures at least annually; and to provide training to authorized employees on the recognition of applicable energy sources in the facility. Additionally, the company did not provide adequate machine guarding on equipment and properly use or install listed or labeled electrical equipment.

Four other-than-serious violations were cited for the company's failure to identify lockout/tagout devices to prevent inadvertent machine start-ups, anchor machines in fixed locations, provide adequate access to electrical equipment and ensure electrical equipment was not located in wet/damp locations.

The chocolate manufacturer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Pittsburgh, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.