The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined a Lima, Ohio recycling facility after an inspection revealed several violations of OSHA’s safety standards.

Wright Pallet, Inc. was cited by OSHA for exposing workers to hearing loss, electrical hazards and amputation hazards. The inspection took place as part of OSHA’s pallet manufacturing emphasis program in Ohio, Illinois and Wisconsin. This industry has a higher risk of amputations than others, and also routinely employs non-English speakers so it is especially important that employers communicate to their workers the risks involved in their work. The majority of injuries that occur in this field require hospitalization and can leave workers permanently hampered.

The company received 12 serious violations including failure to provide proper hearing protection to workers and failing to train workers in hearing loss prevention and electrical safety. They allowed workers to operate machines without safety guards or the proper lockout mechanisms. Forklift drivers were operating machines with obstructed views and they did not store compressed gas cylinders properly. The full and detailed list of citations can be found here. They are facing fines totaling $51,590.

The OSHA Toledo area director, Kim Nelson, said hearing loss is a preventable occupational hazard and that employers have a responsibility to train and protect workers.