OSHA inspections at an Alabama manufacturing facility following two serious injuries resulted in a host of citations for safety and health violations.

In June of 2015, a worker at Genpak in Hope Hull suffered a partial amputation of a ring finger as a machine unexpectedly started as he tried to clear a jam. Less than four weeks later, another worker was airlifted to a local hospital with severe burns after the forklift he was using ignited butane vapors, creating an explosion inside a shipping trailer.

OSHA cited Genpak for failing to implement specific procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing. The employer also exposed workers to fall hazards from unguarded platforms. OSHA previously cited the company for similar violations in 2011 and 2012 at its Middletown, New York and Hope Hull, Alabama facilities.

"I am concerned that this employer is continuing to expose its workers to previously cited and easily identifiable hazards," said Joseph Roesler, OSHA's area director in Mobile. "Management needs to review its safety program and ensure that safety hazards are not only being addressed, but also shared with the other facilities within the company."

Serious citations were issued for failing to use an explosion-proof forklift in an area filled with flammable gas; exposing workers to machinery that could start up during maintenance and servicing; exposing workers to being struck by improperly stacked boxes and not protecting workers from electrical deficiencies. Other violations include failing to notify* OSHA, within 24 hours, of a workplace amputation.

Proposed penalties: $103,100

Genpak LLC manufactures food packaging products. The company is headquartered in Middletown, New York and employs nearly 200 workers at 18 facilities throughout North America.