US regulators have cited a beverage manufacturer and bottler for 24 safety and health infractions including a repeat violation, alleging failure to conduct adequate forklift operations.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposes fining A-Treat Bottling Co USD110,880.

"The hazards found at this facility risk the safety and health of workers and must be corrected immediately," says Jean Kulp, director of OSHA's Allentown area office.

Among serious forklift-related violations, OSHA says A-Treat failed to maintain forklifts in a safe operating condition and provide a seatbelt for a forklift.

A-Treat employs about 50 staff at its plant on Allentown's east side. Within 15 days of notification, the firm can ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

OSHA, an agency of the US Labor Department, initiated a 21 January inspection under a local emphasis program focused on follow-up inspections and noise hazards.

Allentown brothers Joseph and Jack Egizio started the enterprise in 1918, focusing initially on the market in Pennsylvania's Lehigh Valley. The firm manufactures and bottles regionally-popular A-Treat-brand carbonated soft drinks.