OSHA has cited Sterilite Corp., doing business as Sterilite of Alabama LLC, and Marathon Staffing Corp. Inc., for 13 safety and health violations. OSHA initiated the January 2013 inspection at Sterilite's plastics manufacturing facility in Birmingham as part of its National Emphasis Program on Amputations and regional emphasis program to limit worker exposure to high noise levels. Proposed penalties total $49,000.

The inspection found that Sterilite exposed workers to several hazards, including dangerous, unguarded machinery and fall hazards because of missing platform railings. Additionally, the employer exposed workers to noise hazards above the required OSHA limits; failed to ensure workers used hearing protection correctly; to provide hearing protection based on the noise level to which workers were exposed; and to notify and provide follow-up care to workers who experienced a work-related hearing loss.