Family-owned and -operated tomato processor/canner Red Gold Inc is appealing Indiana safety violations that include forklift operations.

The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration (IOSHA) cited the Orestes-based company for six violations including two rated as serious.

The citations stem from inspections between 26 October and 5 November and, pending a probable June administrative review of the Red Gold appeal, could result in penalties of USD53,250.

The serious forklift-related violation involves operators repeatedly transporting loads, each with two pallets on a 15 ft. (5.6 m) incline with a height difference of 1 ft. 28 in. (1 m), according to the 8 March complaint signed by Robert Kattau, director of industrial compliance. The frequent up-and-down trips regularly carried loads exceeding the rated capacity of the forklift.

It was suggested that an operator haul one pallet at a time with a forklift having a capacity suitably rated for the load.

The other serious violation says the company did not maintain reasonably safe, healthful and free-from-hazard work conditions for its employees.

Two non-serious citations noted that Red Gold had been neglectful in evaluating the performance and certification of each forklift operator.

Red Gold has been producing tomato products since 1942. Currently, processing in central Indiana facilities in Orestes, Elwood and Geneva occurs under the Red Gold, Redpack, Sacramento, Teresa, Glorietta, Il Migliore and Vine-Ripe brands.

IOSHA reports within the Indiana Department of Labor.