The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued more than $100,000 in fines to a Maine Hostess production plant after discovering the location violated safety standards affecting productivity in the workplace. Exit and machine hazards led the Augusta, Maine, plant to receive a total of $104,700 in penalties following an OSHA safety inspection.

OSHA's inspection revealed safety violations including an absence of guardrails, a locked emergency exit door and unguarded moving parts on a conveyor belt, resulting in citations carrying $42,200 in fines.

The Hostess plant received an additional $62,500 in fines resulting from recurring violations such as failing to provide personal protective equipment to safeguard employees from electrical shocks and failing to guard chains and sprockets on a cake alignment conveyor and a packaging machine feeder.

Using office ergonomics software can help you eliminate safety risks while avoiding potential OSHA penalties. Web-based software provides a reliable option that allows supervisors to manage workplace ergonomics. The program offers complete control with automated processes including program setup, risk of injury reduction and employee discomfort and risk identification. In addition, the software provides information about the best practices for OSHA compliance.