Tuesday, August 16, 2016

Tyson Foods faces $263,000 fine after Texas worker suffers finger amputation






Photo courtesy: Tyson Foods


Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found two repeated and 15 serious violations after responding to a report of the amputation.



By Karen Robinson-Jacobs Follow @krobijake krobinson@dallasnews.com

Hospitality/Leisure Industry Reporter

Published: 16 August 2016 01:40 PM
Updated: 16 August 2016 03:09 PM

 
Tyson Foods, one of the largest meat processors in the world, faces a potential fine of more than $263,000 after an employee suffered a finger amputation and federal inspectors found more than a dozen "serious violations" at the company's chicken processing plant in Center.


Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration found two repeated and 15 serious violations after responding to a report of the amputation. Inspectors said workers were exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide and the disinfectant peracetic acid without being provided personal protective equipment.

Officials with Arkansas-based Tyson could not be reached for comment.

The investigation determined that an employee suffered an amputation when his finger became stuck in an unguarded conveyor belt as he worked in the de-bone area and tried to remove chicken parts jammed in the belt.

That's according to a news release from the Dallas office of the Department of Labor. The release did not identify the employee.

OSHA inspectors also found serious violations including failing to ensure proper safety guards on moving machine parts; allowing carbon dioxide levels above the permissible exposure limit; failing to provide personal protective equipment; and not training employees on hazards associated with peracetic acid, which can cause burns and respiratory illness if not handled safely.

"Tyson Foods must do much more to prevent disfiguring injuries like this one from happening," David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health, said in the release. "As one of the nation's largest food suppliers, it should set an example for workplace safety rather than drawing multiple citations from OSHA for ongoing safety failures."

Inspectors also found employees exposed to slip-and-fall hazards due to a lack of proper drainage, trip-and-fall hazards caused by recessed drains and fire hazards resulting from improperly stored compressed gas cylinders. The inspection falls under OSHA's Regional Emphasis Program for Poultry Processing Facilities.

OSHA cited the company for repeated violations for not making sure employees used appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards.

The agency cited Tyson for a similar violation in a 2012 investigation at its Carthage facility. The company also failed to separate compressed gas cylinders of oxygen and acetylene while in storage — a violation for which OSHA cited the company in 2013 at its facility in Albertville, Ala.

Tyson has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Tyson is one of the largest employers in Center, in southeast Texas.

Last year, according to the city's website, the Center plant was awarded a designation from the state for participation in the Texas Enterprise Zone. The award allowed Tyson to receive reimbursement on state sales tax paid on equipment purchased as part of a multimillion-dollar capital equipment purchase and maintenance program. Tyson agreed to invest up to $5 million in the project. "We partnered with them before in this program and we want to help Tyson be successful in Center," Mayor David Chadwick said in a statement