Poultry processor fined for eight safety violations found by OSHA

Poultry processor Coleman Natural Foods was cited for eight different safety violations by OSHA, and fined a total of $142,150. OSHA has described the problems they found as serious safety violations, which include failing to install proper machine guards, failing to tightly seal electrical enclosures, and other related issues.

These types of safety issues could easily lead to an injury on the job site. Employees that are injured at work are generally eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, which allows them to recover from their employer for financial losses. Depending on how severe the injury is, workers’ compensation can provide for medical benefits, temporary disability payments and even long term income if the employee is unable to return to work.

The company has been cited for similar violations in 2006 and 2007. Another location owned by the same company was cited for four serious violations including failing to provide an ammonia detector.

“OSHA will not tolerate conditions that endanger employee safety. The company has been cited for similar hazards in the past, and there is no excuse for OSHA finding them again during our latest inspection,” said an OSHA representative. “Management must correct these violations before a serious injury occurs to one of KD Acquisition’s workers.”

The workers’ compensation system does not assign fault to the employer for the injury. However, employers are responsible for providing a safe environment for their employees under federal laws. Employees who have been injured because of an unsafe work environment should contact an attorney to evaluate a possible claim for damages for that injury.

Source: OSHA, “US Department of Labor’s OSHA cites Braselton, Ga., poultry processor with 8 safety violations, proposes more than $142,000 in penalties,” Region 4 News Release: 11-1819-ATL (009), Jan. 12, 2012