Federal workplace safety officials levied fines against a hair care manufacturer of $233,000 for hazards at its upstate New York plant. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says inspectors found 44 serious violations at the Zotos International plant in Geneva. The violations included unguarded moving machine parts, electrical hazards, a blocked exit door, unqualified employees working on live electrical parts, failing to develop safety plans, and inadequate training of employees. OSHA workers were overexposed to certain chemicals and there were inadequate preparations to prevent the release of a flammable liquid used in the production process. The company had 15 days to fix the problems or contest the findings. According to a Zotos spokesman, many problems were fixed immediately and the company is working with OSHA to resolve the others.

Source: Insurance Journal