A Texas-based manufacturer of tooling products has been hit with nearly $600,000 in fines after an OSHA inspection unveiled dozens of safety violations at its El Paso factory, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

A Nov. 14 OSHA news release reports that an inspection at Dynamic Tool Co. Inc. identified 58 violations at the company’s facility there. OSHA determined that Dynamic Tool willfully exposed workers to risks of amputation and permanent hearing loss. The hazards included two willful safety violations and one willful health violation.

Founded in 1979 as a tool and die shop in El Paso, Dynamic Tool is a privately-owned machine shop and manufacturer of precision parts, close tolerance components, extrusion items and impact-extruded aluminum components. It is branded as one of the nation’s leading producers of cylindrical and elliptical cans serving customers in the automotive, military and medical industries.

OSHA said the willful safety citations were because the facility did not have machine guards in place to protect workers from amputations and other injuries related to nip points, rotating parts and flying chips and sparks. The willful health citation was for failing to establish and maintain an audiometric testing program and making it available to employees.

In addition to the willful violations, Dynamic Tool was cited for the following “serious” violations:

• Not installing lockout/tagout systems to prevent machines from sudden start-ups or movement
• Failing to train employees on energy control procedures
• Storing materials improperly and allowing blocked passageways
• Not removing unsafe powered industrial trucks from service
• Failing to enclose vertical or inclined belts and gears with required guards
• Allowing serious electrical hazards related to flexible cords, junction boxes and fitting to exist
• Not developing and implementing a noise monitoring program

Accounting for all those violations, OSHA assessed Dynamic Tool with $596,221 in proposed penalties.

“The workplace safety hazards our inspectors identified at Dynamic Tool Co. were widespread and deeply concerning given the company’s long history,” said Diego Alvarado, OSHA Area Director in El Paso. “There is no excuse for allowing the dozens of safety and health failures we catalogued, many of which have the potential to cause employees serious and permanent injuries, or worse. Dynamic Tool must act immediately to protect its employees and comply with federal safety and health laws.”

Dynamic Tool has 15 business days from receipt of those citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.