Ohio-based iron manufacturer, Kenton Iron Products LLC, has recently been fined nearly $214,500 for OSHA violations as a result of a recent safety inspection. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited the Ohio company for "29 [counts] of alleged serious, willful and repeat safety and health violations resulting in unsafe working conditions" at the company's facility in Kenton, Ohio.

OSHA fined Kenton Iron Products as a result of what they found during a routine inspection in January 2010. OSHA issued three alleged willful citations for "failing to ensure that its equipment was de-energized and shut down properly, and lack of lockout/tagout procedures were in place before workers conducted maintenance on the equipment to prevent accidental start-up of machinery. According to OSHA, a willful violation is an intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirement, or plain indifference to employee safety and health. These three fines alone will cost the company $156,000.

In addition, Kenton Iron Products LLC was cited for 22 other serious violations carrying penalties of $50,700 total. These violations run the gamete and include lack of proper storage areas, lack of or use of safety equipment, lack of procedures, lack of personal protective gear and the list goes on. OSHA considers these violations to be "serious" if death or serious physical harm can result from a hazard an employer knew about.

The company has 15 days to comply, request a formal conference with OSHA officials or contest the findings.

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