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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued an August 1st news release stating it has cited Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (“Pilgrim’s”) for alleged violations.
Pilgrim’s is described as one of the world’s largest poultry and pork producers with approximately 58,000 workers at 14 locations.
The alleged citations involve a Pilgrim’s Canton, Ohio, poultry processing plant.
An OSHA workplace safety inspection is stated to have been initiated in regard to a January 19th ammonia leak that is stated to have hospitalized two workers and resulted in the evacuation of 50 workers at the Canton plant. The inspection is alleged to have determined that uncontrolled temperature and pressure conditions on an ammonia refrigeration system contributed to the release of ammonia.
OSHA is stated to have issued nine citations which alleged the employer failed to:
- Confirm a pre-startup safety review before introducing a highly hazardous chemical into an existing process, and include instructions to address process deviations
- Train workers on the physical and health hazards of anhydrous ammonia
- Ensure exit signs were properly illuminated and clearly identified
- Maintain safe walking and working surfaces
OSHA has proposed $110,630 in penalties.
Pilgrim’s has 15 days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Area Director, or contest the findings before the Independent Occupation Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded here.
