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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/04/2003 - OSHA Investigations Leads to $148,500 in Penalties for Patrick Cudahy, Inc. |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 5 News Release 03-755-CHI Dec. 4, 2003 Contact: Brad Mitchell Phone: 312-353-6976 OSHA Investigations Leads to $148,500 in Penalties for Patrick Cudahy, Inc.
MILWAUKEE, Wis. -- Meat packing giant Patrick Cudahy, Inc., is facing $148,500 in fines proposed by the U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following an inspection opened in May 2003 in response to reports of an industrial accident in which three employees were severely burned. Three workers were reported to have been troubleshooting electrical switchgear at the Cudahy, Wis., facility when electricity arched and exploded. OSHA's investigation revealed that the three workers, all of whom received first, second and third degree burns throughout their bodies, were not using insulated tools, were not wearing proper personal protective equipment, and were not following appropriate safety standards. OSHA issued willful and serious violations to Cudahy for allegedly failing to provide such equipment, and warning or training the workers about flash hazards. "The Labor Department's significant fine of $148,500 sends a message that this Administration will enforce safety and health standards for workers," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. The company employs over 1,400 full-time workers at its Cudahy facility. OSHA District Manager George Yoksas, Milwaukee, said that the workplace safety and health agency has conducted 28 inspections at the facility since 1972, issuing a total of three willful, 16 serious and one repeat citation. The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. OSHA is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses and protecting America's workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov ### U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://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. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202)693-7755. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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