Meat Plant Fined $50K by OSHA Following Death of Worker

A Pennsylvania meat processing plant has been fined $49,062 in safety violations after an employee was killed as a result of falling or being pulled into a commercial meat grinder.

OSHA issued the 11 workplace safety violations last week after a months-long investigation into the death of a worker on April 22, 2019.

Officials said the employee was standing on a set of wheeled stairs when she either fell or was pulled into the machine, killing her instantly. OSHA found that the facility was operating the mixer/grinder with the lid open, exposing workers to the rotating mixer paddles.

OSHA also cited a 10-by-24-inch opening in the lid that could pose a significant hazard to workers. Other workplace violations include unguarded blades on a steam kettle and emulsifier, failure to provide workers with personal protective equipment, and failure to provide forklift or chemical safety training.

It is unclear if the Muncy-based wholesale meat processing business will appeal the penalties.

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Tags: employee safety, enforcement, fines, osha, penalties, Pennsylvania, safety, worker safety, workplace safety