Region 6 News Release:   OSHA-01-91
Aug. 8, 2001
Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd
Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221

FRITO-LAY INC. IN LUBBOCK, TEXAS, HAS AGREED TO PAY $57,000 IN FINES AND ABATE VIOLATIONS FOUND DURING THE INVESTIGATION OF A FATALITY

DALLAS - A fatal accident in February at a manufacturing plant in Lubbock, Texas, has resulted in citations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration against Frito-Lay Inc. with the company agreeing to pay $57,000 in fines and abate the violations.

Frito-Lay Inc. manufactures potato chips, corn chips and other snacks at the Lubbock plant where about 193 workers are employed. Corporate offices are located in Plano, Texas.

The violations were discovered during an OSHA investigation that began Feb. 9, 2001, in response to a fatality that occurred in a confined space. The employee fell into an oil tank, while trying to make a repair, hit his head and drowned.

The company was cited for failing to implement the confined space entry procedures. Employees who enter and work inside a confined space must follow a precise series of steps to control hazardous conditions before entry.

Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health can contact the OSHA Lubbock area office at (806) 472-7681. They may also take advantage of the free consultation officer by the Texas Worker's Compensation Commission's OSHCON Program at (512) 440-3831.