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Officials with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have labeled an Ohio chicken processing plant an “outrageously dangerous” place to work. The processing facility has been hit with $861,500 in fines for 55 safety violations. OSHA has announced intentions to place the facility on its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP).
Why was OSHA upset over conditions at the facility? OSHA inspectors found workers were exposed to amputation hazards, electric shock and fall injuries. The company also allegedly lacked proper safety equipment. According to OSHA officials, the poultry processing company has a checkered history of safety problems, accumulating more than 350 violations in its 25 years of operating.
OSHA investigators are also currently looking into reports of workplace injuries and accidents. A representative for OSHA allegedly claimed the processing plant has amassed more than 900,000 employee hours lost to injuries.
Are Workers In Food Manufacturing Jobs At Risk For Amputation Hazards?
The investigation of the Ohio poultry processing plant comes at a time when OSHA is attempting to implement new policies to protect workers from workplace injuries involving amputations. In 2013, an estimated 2,000 workers received amputations from workplace injuries.
The National Emphasis Program will carry out inspections and look for violations that are likely to cause amputations, such as unguarded machinery. Workers in the manufacturing industry are twice as likely to suffer workplace injuries involving amputations.
Protecting the safety and wellbeing of workers should always remain a top priority for businesses.
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Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Lawyer