OSHA Cracks the Whip Yet Again

Last year the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) announced an initiative to crack down on employers that cover up workplace hazards by failing to disclose many of their on-the-job injuries. OSHA has displayed a commitment to this initiative given its recent activities.

This past week OSHA said it is pursuing approximately $150,000 in fines against Pilgrim’s Pride Corp., one of the nation’s largest chicken producers, for 29 health and safety violations. Pilgrims Pride is cited with two repeat safety violations for failing to use lockout/tagout procedures and not labeling containers with the appropriate hazard warning. The employer is also being cited with 24 serious safety and health violations associated with falls; unmarked fire exits; unsecured chlorine cylinders; unsafe batteries that exposed workers to acid burns and electrical shock; lack of machine guarding; lack of hand protection and electrical deficiencies. In addition, three other-than-serious citations with a $3,000 proposed penalty are being issued to the company for improper completion of the OSHA 300 logs.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's workforce by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Although at times these regulations may seems impractical and overly burdensome, it is essential that all employers be are aware of OSHA’s regulations and maintain compliance throughout all aspects of their operations.