The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined Arkansas-based meat processor Tyson Foods $263,498 after an inspection revealed two repeated and 15 serious violations at the company’s Center, TX plant.
According to OSHA, investigators inspected the plant after a worker’s finger was amputated when it became stuck in an unguarded conveyor belt while attempting to remove jammed chicken parts. OSHA inspectors also found violations including failing to ensure proper safety guards on moving machine parts, allowing carbon dioxide levels above the permissible exposure limit, failing to provide personal protective equipment and not training employees on hazards associated with peracetic acid.
Inspectors also found employees exposed to slip-and-fall hazards due to a lack of proper drainage, trip-and-fall hazards caused by recessed drains and fire hazards resulting from improperly stored compressed gas cylinders.
Tyson has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent OSHA commission.
