OSHA is proposing $231,600 in penalties against Los Amigos Tortilla Manufacturing Co. of Atlanta for safety and health violations. The bulk of those penalties are for the company's failure to correct seven violations identified during an inspection in 2008. Among them was failure to establish an energy-control program to ensure that machinery would not start up while being maintained or serviced.

Also, OSHA says Los Amigos did not correct prior electrical hazards and dangers created by machinery that lacked safeguards to prevent employees from being pulled into moving parts.

Eight serious violations with proposed penalties of $24,000 resulted from the 2009 inspection. Agency inspectors found that the employer exposed workers to various electrical hazards.

Also, employees did not use PPE and management failed to provide protection from hazardous machinery and chemicals.

"OSHA's previous inspections made Los Amigos fully aware of the needed changes to its safety and health program," said Andre Richards, Atlanta-West area director. "All employees have a right to a safe workplace, and it is irresponsible of an employer to continue exposing its employees to work hazards."