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Chick-News.com Poultry Industry News, Comments and more by Simon M. Shane

OSHA Imposes Penalties for Foundation Food Group Fatalities

07/26/2021

Following detailed investigations, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has imposed fines close to $1 million for 59 violations arising from the January nitrogen release at the Foundation Food plant in Gainesville, GA.

 

Foundation Food Group the operator of the plant was cited for six violations including exposing workers to suffocation hazards, failing to develop documentation on safety, inadequate lockout procedures and inappropriate training resulting in penalties of $595,474. 

 

Messer LLC the supplier of liquid nitrogen was cited for violations including exposure of workers to injuries and suffocation, failure to provide safe exits and absence of documented lockout procedures.  The company incurred penalties of $74,118.

 

Packers Sanitation Services received 17 citations for violations relating to training of workers in the hazards of liquid nitrogen.  Packers Sanitation Services is a repeat offender having been cited in 2017 and 2018.  The company faces penalties of $286,720.

 

FS Group that provided mechanical services was cited for 8 violations relating to training and emergency procedures with penalties amounting to $42,325.

 

It is indeed unfortunate that three maintenance workers and three plant workers died as a result of the release of liquid nitrogen resulting in peracute anoxia.  The incident and subsequent investigations disclosing deficiencies should serve as a warning for plant operators to confirm that workers are trained, lockout procedures are followed, and that egress from plants should be unobstructed with functional emergency lighting. An additional outcome from the investigation was the need for communication on risks among plant operators, maintenance contractors and equipment manufacturers to establish a safe working environment.

 


 
Copyright © 2024 Simon M. Shane