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OSHA News Release
2005 - 11/10/2005 - OSHA Cites Macon County, Ga., Birds Eye Processing Plant for Safety Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release: 05-2080-ATL (286) Date: Thursday, November 10, 2005 Contact: Kurt Petermeyer Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (912) 652-4393 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Macon County, Ga., Birds Eye Processing Plant for Safety Hazards
Agency Proposes Penalties Totaling Over $60,000 SAVANNAH, Ga. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Birds Eye Foods and proposed penalties totaling $60,275 for safety and health hazards at the company's Montezuma, Ga., plant. "This inspection was conducted under OSHA's local emphasis program to reduce employee exposure to hazards commonly found at fruit and vegetable processing plants," said John J. Deifer, OSHA's Savannah area director. "Preventing worker exposure to accidental releases of ammonia is one goal of the program." The company received 24 serious citations for alleged violations observed during the June inspection. Cited items include failing to properly locate ammonia pressure release discharge piping and provide workers with current, updated process safety management information. OSHA also cited Birds Eye for exposing workers to: fall hazards from unguarded roof edges, floor openings and stairways; electrical shocks from defective equipment and allowing non-qualified employees to work on the equipment; "caught-by" injuries from unguarded machinery; and other injuries by failing to provide personal protective equipment. The agency issues serious citations when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result and the employer knew or should have known of the hazards. Birds Eye has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Savannah area office located at 450 Mall Blvd., Suite J; phone: (912) 652-4393. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. # # #
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request at (202) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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