The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Case Farms Processing Inc., which operates Case Farms Chicken in Winesburg, for 61 safety violations. OSHA alleged that the company’s neglect of process safety management standards resulted in an ammonia release at the facility. Proposed fines total $288,000.
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Download NowAccording to OSHA, an ammonia leak occurred on the morning of June 30, 2011 just as OSHA opened a routine inspection. No injuries or illnesses were reported as a result of the leak, but OSHA found the company’s response “inadequate.”
The company was cited for 30 serious violations, including seven involving machine guarding and 16 involving electrical safety. The remainder of the serious violations involved failing to provide adequate protection from falls and electrical hazards; allowing workers to walk on working surfaces without proper protection; and failing to implement and train workers in the use of lockout/tagout procedures to control hazardous energy sources.
“Case Farms Chicken has a legal responsibility to follow established process safety management standards,” said Deb Zubaty, OSHA’s area director in Columbus. “Failing to ensure protection through appropriate equipment maintenance, training and adherence to OSHA regulations demonstrates a lack of regard for employees’ well-being.”
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