OSHA Proposes Penalties Against Two Companies

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - A Luverne-based auto supplier has been hit
with more than $94,000 in penalties after a worker suffered partial
amputation of two fingers at its plant in March.

    The fines were proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration against Dongwon Autopart Technology.

    In a news release Thursday, OSHA said it opened the
investigation after it found Dongwon officials were aware of the
machine’s problems but had not made effective repairs. Inspectors
cited the auto supplier for a total of 11 safety violations.

    In a separate matter, OSHA also proposed $63,000 in penalties
against North Carolina-based Pike Electric Inc. for violations
found at a site the company was excavating in Mobile. OSHA said a
worker was seriously injured when a trench wall collapsed on him.

    Each company has 15 working days to contest the citation and
penalties to the agency’s office in Mobile.