OSHA Alleges Safety Violations at Maine Mill

Federal workplace safety regulators have proposed fining a Jefferson, Maine, sawmill nearly $80,000 for what they allege are dangerous work conditions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited N.C. Hunt Inc. for several violations following inspections that began in December.

OSHA says alleged violations include failing to use procedures to prevent employees from being struck by a logging carriage, a lack of barriers and signs preventing entry to a logging carriage path, and a lack of guardrails on elevated walkways. Other alleged violations involved a defective emergency brake on a truck, lack of machine guarding, an ungrounded extension cord, and incomplete energy control procedures.

OSHA said violations were also found in 2009.

Company Vice President Robert Hunt tells the Kennebec Journal the issues raised by OSHA have been addressed.