American Excelsior Co. has been cited by OSHA for 12 alleged serious safety violations following incidents where two workers suffered injuries because of a lack of machine guarding at the Norwalk production facility. Proposed penalties total $65,000.

"American Excelsior Co. violated OSHA's machine guarding standards, placing employees at serious risk for injury and amputation," said the agency's Toledo Area Director, Kim Nelson.

OSHA initiated its inspection in May after receiving multiple complaints alleging unsafe working conditions.

The 12 serious citations include lack of personal protective equipment for the hands, not having standard guard and stair railings, failing to utilize energy control procedures, train workers in lockout/tagout procedures and a lack of machine guarding on various pieces of equipment. Three of the violations were for electrical safe work practices, such as failing to train workers, not providing personal protective equipment for electrical hazards and improper use of equipment.

The Arlington, Texas-based company has nine locations nationwide. The Norwalk facility manufactures custom foam products for packaging as well as erosion and sediment control products.