MFA Inc. has been cited for 13 serious safety violations by OSHA after a worker was fatally injured on Aug. 26 at the Aurora-based milling plant. The worker landed on a first floor concrete area after falling about 40 feet from a man lift used to transport materials in the facility.

"This was a terrible, preventable tragedy that underscores the importance of OSHA's standards. Employers are required to use equipment in accordance with manufacturer's specifications," said Barbara Theriot, OSHA's area director in Kansas City, Mo.

MFA Inc. has been cited for 13 serious violations, including:

• failing to guard open-sided floors throughout the plant with varying fall distances up to 20 feet
• inadequate footing space on industrial ladders creating fall distances up to 125 feet
• failing to inspect man lifts every 30 days
• failing to have guarded belts and pulleys on machinery, and failing to use proper connectors, thus exposing workers to electrical conductors on motors.

Other violations included failing to have two exit doors, obstructed exits and unmarked and poorly lighted exit routes. The company also received a citation for failing to have an alarm system to warn workers of fires and other emergencies.

Proposed fines total $91,000.

MFA Inc. is a milling plant that grinds products to be used in farm and pet foods.