The death of a poultry plant worker who was killed after falling into an unguarded piece of machinery resulted in an OSHA investigation and proposed fines totaling $160,000.00 for 43 alleged violations. Thirty-seven of the forty-three alleged violations were classified as “serious” for hazards that could lead to serious injury or death of a worker that the employer knew about or should have known about. The serious violations included not identifying mechanical hazards or providing training for employees as well as failing to provide workers with personal protective equipment or to conduct monthly inspections of self-contained breathing apparatuses. OSHA also claimed that the company: obstructed exit routes, did not use machine guarding on equipment and exposed workers to a variety of hazards such as shock, burn, crushing, tripping, falling, and amputation.
In issuing the fines OSHA stressed the importance of management taking immediate action to eliminate the hazards identified during the investigation before another worker is killed.
The attorneys at Harmon & Davies are here to assist employers with creating safety plans, employee safety training, formulating safety procedures and policies, and contesting OSHA citations.
This article is authored by attorney Shannon O. Young and is intended for educational purposes and to give you general information and a general understanding of the law only, not to provide specific legal advice. Any particular questions should be directed to your legal counsel or, if you do not have one, please feel free to contact us.
