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OSHA News Release: [12/15/2003]
Contact Name: Diana Petterson (214) 767-4776 x222
Or Elizabeth Todd (214) 767-4776 x221

OSHA Cites Austin Food Manufacturing Company for Worker Death

Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods Inc. Will Pay $140,220 Fine

AUSTIN, Tex.—Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods Inc. in Austin, Texas, has agreed to pay $140,220 in penalties for citations issued by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for failure to provide employees with adequate protection and training to prevent machinery from starting up during cleaning operations.

A worker for the frozen food manufacturer was killed in June when he was pulled into a meat mixer.

OSHA began its investigation on June 13 after the employee was found dead by a co-worker at the company’s headquarters located at 200 Michael Angelo Way, Austin, Texas. Michael Angelo Gourmet Foods employs about 440 workers at that location.

The company was cited for 11 safety and health violations for exposing employees to electrical hazards such as defective electrical cords, failing to properly guard machinery that could cause amputations and other injuries, failing to ensure locks were provided on machinery requiring maintenance, and failing to train its employees to perform lockout procedures. Lockout/tag-out involves shutting off and locking out the energy source to a machine that is undergoing maintenance or repair to prevent an accidental startup.

OSHA has inspected Michael Angelo twice since 2000, and the company has paid more than $63,000 in penalties for similar violations.

Michael Angelo’s Gourmet Foods has agreed to fully comply with OSHA’s standards by providing lock out/tag out training for its employees, managers and supervisors. The company also has agreed to abate the violations and certify their abatement within 10 days. In addition, the company will retain the services of an outside consultant to review its safety and health program.

Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call the OSHA Austin area office at (512) 916-5783. OSHA’s toll-free hotline number may be used to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers at 1-800-321-6742.

OSHA is dedicated to assuring workers safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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