World Recycling Inc., a scrap metal recycler on Athens Highway in Gainesville, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration for exposing workers to a variety of hazards.Following an inspection initiated in March due to a complaint, the company was cited with 24 safety and health violations. Proposed penalties total $74,400.The violations include failing to create a program to control the energy sources of equipment during maintenance and repair work, provide an eyewash station for workers exposed to corrosive material, develop and implement a written respiratory protection program and hazard communication program and provide the designated exit door with proper signage, according to a news release from OSHA. Additional violations include exposing workers to welding fumes above the exposure limit; lacking proper equipment guarding machines; allowing forklifts to be used despite having damaged tires and inoperable horns or backup alarms; improperly installing an outlet box; having unused openings in the electrical panel; not covering an electrical panel; and exposing workers to hazards that could cause them to fall, be struck, crushed or caught in machinery.“This inspection found workers being exposed to a variety of hazards that can cause serious injury and possible death,” said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA’s Atlanta-East Area Office, in the release. “It is the employer’s responsibility to eliminate hazards in order to establish a safe and healthy work environment.”A message left at World Recycling was not returned Thursday.The company has 15 business days to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, according to the release.