OSHA recently cited Royal Oak Enterprises for exposing employees to multiple safety and health hazards at its facilities in Branson and Summersville, Mo. Facing $339,702 in penalties, the charcoal manufacturer was cited for 19 serious violations at the Branson location for exposing employees to confined space entry, electrical, housekeeping, hearing, and forklift hazards; deficiencies in lockout/tagout; inadequate machine guarding; and failure to mount a fire extinguisher. At the Summersville facility, OSHA found 10 serious violations for electrical and forklift hazards, accumulation of combustible material and exposing employees to silica dust.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

"Every employer is required to provide a workplace free of hazards," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. "Employers who implement a safety and health program that includes identifying and fixing hazards can minimize the risk of worker injuries and illnesses."