An Alabama sausage manufacturer was cited by OSHA for various lockout/tagout, machine and fire-related violations.
This inspection was conducted as a follow-up to a Dec. 8, 2022 inspection that found similar violations. It was also completed under OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on amputation hazards.
The latest investigation found seven repeat violations related to lockout/tagout, machine guarding, hazard communication and failure to maintain clear paths to fire exits.
In the 2022 inspection, OSHA cited the company for 14 similar violations and proposed a fine of $37,000.
Fine: $116,153
Company: Dean Sausage Co. Inc., Attalla, Alabama
Business: Meat processed from carcasses manufacturer
Reasons for fine:
Nine repeat violations for failing to:
- develop procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energy
- provide one or more methods of machine guarding to protect employees from ingoing nip points and points of operation
- ensure that unguarded shaft ends didn’t project more than one-half the diameter of the shaft
- enclose sprocket wheels and chains that were 7 feet or less above work platforms
- develop a written hazard communication program
- have a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical in the workplace
- provide effective information and training on hazardous chemicals in the workplace
- ensure that each exit was clearly marked as an exit
- ensure that the word “exit” was clearly written in plainly legible letters on exit signs
Two serious violations for failing to:
- provide adequate training to ensure that employees understood the energy control program
- ensure authorized employees affixed lockout/tagout devices to each energy isolating device
