Lawn and garden manufacturer cited for several safety hazards

U.S. workplace safety regulators have cited and proposed $251,108 in penalties against a Georgia manufacturer for 36 safety and health violations.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Oldcastle Lawn & Garden Inc., a Shady Dale, Georgia-based manufacturer of mulch and other products, after a workplace safety inspection found 36 violations, including amputation, struck-by, caught-in, electrical and fall hazards, according to a statement published on Tuesday.

The inspection also uncovered fire hazards from accumulated combustible dust, exposure to excessive noise levels and hazardous energy during machine servicing and maintenance, according to OSHA.

“Employers are required to assess their workplace for potential hazards,” William Fulcher, OSHA Atlanta east area office director, said in the statement. “Unfortunately, this employer failed to correct a wide-range of safety deficiencies and needlessly put their employees at risk of serious injury.”

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.