September 13, 2006—The U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) leveled fines totaling $257,000 against Columbus Steel Castings Co., Columbus, OH, for two repeat and 59 other serious violations of federal workplace safety and health standards.

OSHA officials began an investigation at the steel foundry in March, based on injury and illness data reported by the business, and following complaints and two accidents earlier this year.

The two repeat violations stem from an October 2003 investigation, when Columbus Steel Castings was cited for missing or inadequate standard guardrails and inadequate guarding of vertical belts.

OSHA filed 59 serious citations, ranging from confined spaces, lockout/tagout issues, problems with overhead cranes and forklifts, electrical hazards, inadequate machine guarding, and improper storage of oxygen and fuel-gas cylinder.

According to OSHA procedures, Columbus Steel Castings has 15 working days upon the receipt of the citations to appeal the fines before the independent OSHA Review Commission.