Search

Grocery Store Faces $10K in OSHA COVID-19 and Workplace Safety Violations

Posted on 12/2/2021 by Lauren Scott

A grocery store in Milledgeville, GA has been issued a civil penalty by OSHA for alleged shortcomings in coronavirus and amputation safety protocols.

The Georgia grocery store was investigated as part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program (NEP) for COVID-19. Launched on March 12, 2021, OSHA’s coronavirus NEP is intended to help protect high-risk workers from hazards related to COVID-19 exposure. The NEP expands upon existing inspection provisions, with an emphasis on non-healthcare facilities, such as meat/poultry processing plants, chemical manufacturers, warehouses, and agricultural sites.

During the OSHA inspection, the agency identified several alleged safety violations, including failure to develop and implement timely and effective measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus and worker exposure to amputation hazards by failing to provide adequate guarding on a meat cutter band saw.

As a result, OSHA issued $9,362 in civil penalties to the grocer. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
 

6th Circuit Requested to Dissolve Stay on OSHA Vax-or-Test ETS

The Biden Administration submitted a motion to dissolve the stay on OSHA’s vaccination-or-testing standard on November 23.

The Administration argues that the Fifth Circuit’s decision to stay the vax-or-test ETS lacked sufficient rationale, writing “Congress charged OSHA with addressing grave dangers in the workplace, without any carve-out for viruses or dangers that also happen to exist outside the workplace.” 

The US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (in Cincinnati) was selected by lottery to hear a challenge to the ETS, which would require large employers to implement a vaccination-or-testing program for employees.
OSHA has stayed implementation and enforcement of the ETS until legal challenges are resolved.
 

COVID-19 Safety Awareness Online Training

Lion launched the COVID-19 Employee Safety Awareness Online Course to help US workplaces operate safely during the pandemic. As facilities continue to expand operations, it is crucial that employees know how to protect themselves and their co-workers from exposure to COVID-19.

The course prepares employees to:
  • Recognize signs, symptoms, and risk factors for COVID-19.
  • Describe how the COVID-19 disease is transmitted.
  • Follow recommended hygiene and work protocols to prevent exposure.
  •  Properly use and care for PPE and face coverings, when required. 
Find more resources to help your facility protect employees from COVID-19 at Lion.com/COVID19.
 

Tags: COVID-19, enforcement, fines, osha, penalties, safety, workplace safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor's energy, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the subject make the class a great learning experience!

Brian Martinez

Warehouse Operator

The price was reasonable, the time to complete the course was manageable, and the flexibility the online training allowed made it easy to complete.

Felicia Rutledge

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

Having the tutorial buttons for additional information was extremely beneficial.

Sharon Ziemek

EHS Manager

I really enjoyed this training. Even after years on both sides of the comprehension coin, I find myself still learning! The quality of the delivery exceeded much of the training I have received in the past.

Neil Ozonur

Safety Officer

I was recently offered an opportunity to take my training through another company, but I politely declined. I only attend Lion Technology workshops.

Stephanie Gilliam

Material Production/Logistics Manager

The workshop covered a lot of information without being too overwhelming. Lion is much better, more comprehensive than other training providers.

George Alva

Manufacturing Manager

Lion courses always set the bar for content, reference, and practical application. Membership and access to the experts is an added bonus.

John Brown, CSP

Director of Safety & Env Affairs

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

The course was very well structured and covered the material in a clear, concise manner.

Ian Martinez

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Your hazmat paperwork is the first thing a DOT inspector will ask for during an inspection. From hazmat training records to special permits, make sure your hazmat documents are in order.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.