The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is alleging 34 violations at the New Bedford plant of F&B Rubberized Inc and has proposed fines of USD44,250.

It is alleged the rubber products manufacturer was employing an unidentified number of forklift operators without training, using forklifts emitting excessive carbon monoxide levels and operating units with missing or illegible data plates.

Other serious violations include locked exits, obstructed exit access and an unmarked exit, lack of welding screens and personal protective equipment for welders and exposed live electrical parts.

"These citations address a cross-section of manufacturing-related safety and health hazards that need to be addressed effectively and continuously to prevent injuries and illnesses, and ensure the health and safety of the workers at this plant," says Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.

F&B was formed in the early 1970s to use tyre rubber in die-cut forms. The firm provides a variety of rollers, chaffing gear and other wear-susceptible replacement components to various customers including those in the fishing industry.

"There were at least three forklift trucks that emitted carbon monoxide levels above 50 parts per million (ppm), OSHA's permissible exposure limit," says a citation for a serious violation.

One Nissan forklift was emitting 1,535 ppm. OSHA says 1,200 ppm is "the level that is immediately dangerous to life and health". Another was not equipped with a data plate, and a third Nissan and a Toyota forklift "were equipped with data plates that were not legible," according to a citation.

Other than the inspections initiated in November 2008, F&B had not been subject to OSHA inspection or regulatory action in the past five years, according to Edmund Fitzgerald, deputy regional OSHA director.

OSHA issued the citations on 15 April. From receipt of the actions, F&B has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference or contest the citations and proposed penalties before an independent review commission.

OSHA is an agency of the US Department of Labour.