Region 8 News Release: 21-OSHA
05-03-99
Contact: Rich Kulczewski (303) 844-1302

T&G Service Company, Fort Morgan, Colorado, was cited Friday for five willful violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, and issued proposed penalties of $350,000.

The violations and penalties were issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's Denver area office following a fatality investigation at Excel's meat packing plant in Fort Morgan. T&G Service Company is a subcontractor providing sanitation services to the meat packing plant.

The fatality occurred Nov. 3, 1998 when 29-year old Carlos Vicente was cleaning and sanitizing processing equipment at the plant. Mr. Vicente became entangled in the drive mechanism of a conveyor belt and sustained massive trauma to his body.

Bobby Glover, OSHA area director in Denver, said the violations resulted because the employer failed to have an effective program which identified and controlled hazardous energy sources.

"This disregard for employee safety and health is not acceptable and cannot be tolerated," said Glover.

Reducing the injuries and illnesses in the food processing industry is a national priority through OSHA's strategic plan. Inspections in the meat packing industry, which has one of the highest incidence rates for injuries and illnesses, have been previously targeted through OSHA's Interim Targeting Plan.

Glover can be reached at (303) 844-5285.

Willful violations are those committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference to, the requirements of the OSHA Act and its regulations.

T&G Service Company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.