OSHA Seeks $87K for Injury at Pennsylvania Chocolate Plant

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration wants to fine a Pittsburgh-area candy factory $87,260 for workplace safety violations allegedly found after a worker’s hand and wrist were crushed in a machine that started unexpectedly in February.

Officials with Tsudis Chocolate Co. did not immediately return a call for comment on the proposed fines announced Tuesday.

This is the second time in as many years that OSHA has proposed fines against the company.

OSHA sought more than $84,000 in fines last year, after a worker suffered serious head injuries in October 2011, when a molding machine started up while the worker was setting it up.

OSHA contends some of the company’s machines aren’t properly locked out to prevent accidental starts.

About 135 people work at the factory in O’Hara Township’s RIDC Park business complex.