Wayne Lumber and Mulch Inc. put its employees at risk for hearing loss “over and over again,” according to OSHA’s Prentice Cline, commenting on one of the hazards found at the company's sawmill in Wayne, Virginia – violations which earned the company $85,080 in proposed penalties.

In addition to high noise levels, OSHA investigators found 31 serious violations related to noise, electrical, fall, egress and amputation hazards, and the failure to guard equipment properly; provide personal protective equipment; establish an energy control program for performing service and maintenance on equipment; and train and evaluate workers on operating powered industrial trucks.

OSHA cited the company for a violation of the agency's general duty clause for drop starting a chainsaw.

The company did not have a collection system to remove combustible sawdust and shavings from work areas, and floors were not maintained properly. Another violation was cited for an elevated mill platform that was not equipped with a stairway. Other violations were cited for the company's failure to develop and implement a hazard communication program and train employees on hazardous materials in the workplace. The company was previously cited in 2011 for similar violations.

The company was also cited failing to maintain the OSHA Form 300, which logs all work-related injuries and illnesses. This carried a $440 penalty.

Wayne Lumber and Mulch processes logs for material used in coal mines and employs 14 workers at its Wayne sawmill.