OSHA is proposing $229,050 in fines for Star Manufacturing Inc., Little Ferry, New Jersey, for safety and health violations the agency says it found during its investigation into an incident involving a press machine.

OSHA initiated an investigation on May 25, 2004 in response to a referral made by the Little Ferry police department alleging that an employee suffered amputated fingers after an accident on a press machine that occurred the day before.

The investigation resulted in citations for six alleged willful violations, with a penalty of $200,000; 15 alleged serious violations, with a penalty of $29,050; and two alleged other-than-serious violations, which carry no penalty.

OSHA says it issued willful citations because the company failed to establish a lockout/tagout program to prevent an inadvertent machine start-up; failed to develop and maintain a hazard communication program for employees who work with hazardous chemicals; failed to guard machinery; and failed to cover unused openings containing live electrical parts.

The company has 15 working days from the receipt of the citations to decide to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.