WACO, TX -- Trautschold Millwork Ltd., a high-end architectural woodwork firm, has been cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 22 serious violations for allegedly exposing workers to potential amputations at its manufacturing plant.

In addition to levying $75,525 in penalties, OSHA also cited the 118-year-old firm for two other-than-serious violations. The citations and fines follow a Nov. 16, 2010, OSHA inspection, as part of the agency's National Emphasis Program on Amputations. The planned inspection found that employees working on or around hazardous machinery were not properly protected.

OSHA said the serious violations lodged against Trautschold Millwork include failing to provide adequate guarding on "hazardous machinery" such as sanders, saws, grinders and staple guns."

In addition, OSHA cited the company for failing to ensure workers were protected from electrical hazards such as explosive proof wiring; provide training for employees who operate forklifts; ensure the use of respiratory and personal protective equipment; and provide a written personal protective equipment hazard assessment.

Trautschold Millwork employs about 30 people and manufactures custom millwork, doors, cabinets and windows. A member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI), according to its website, the company was purchased from the Trautshold family in 2005 by current president Mike Sheedy.

"This company exposed its employees to numerous safety hazards that could result in serious injuries," said Zachary Barnett, OSHA's area director in Fort Worth. "OSHA's standards must be followed to prevent the loss of limb and life."

Read OSHA's press release announcing its citations against Trautschold Millwork.