Operating a small or midsize business entails a multitude of responsibilities, and among the most crucial is ensuring the safety and well-being of your employees. Neglecting workplace safety not only puts your workers at risk but can also lead to substantial penalties and legal repercussions.
A recent case involving a Boston-based food plant, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing employee safety and adhering to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.
The Inspection and Continuing Hazards
In March 2023, inspectors from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration revisited a food plant located in Boston. The follow-up inspection was conducted to ensure that the hazardous conditions identified during a previous inspection in 2022 had been adequately addressed. However, the inspection revealed that the plant’s operator had not installed required safety guards on a dumpling machine’s rotating shafts, despite an employee suffering serious injuries from the same hazard in 2022.
As a result of this failure to rectify the dangerous condition, OSHA proposed an additional penalty of $82,500 for the ongoing hazard.
New and Recurring Hazards Uncovered
The follow-up inspection not only confirmed the continuing hazard but also unveiled several new and recurring hazards within the facility. These findings led OSHA to issue citations and propose penalties totaling $108,031 for various violations, including:
-
A willful violation for allowing the dumpling machine’s gears to remain unguarded, endangering employees working in close proximity to the hazard.
-
Two repeat violations related to exposing employees to electrical shock and injuries from unguarded electrical components and operating parts of a forming and filling machine. These conditions echoed hazards that OSHA had cited the company for in both 2022 and 2019.
-
A serious violation for lacking a program or procedures to prevent the unintended activation of machinery like grinders, choppers, and forming and filling machines, while employees were engaged in cleaning and maintenance.
-
Three serious violations, including an incomplete hearing conservation program for employees exposed to high noise levels, inadequate eyewash facilities for workers dealing with corrosive cleaners, and an incomplete chemical hazard communication program.
Consequences and Takeaways for Business Owners
The food plant’s history of violations highlights the potential consequences of neglecting employee safety. The company faces a proposed total of $190,541 in fines for the recurring, uncorrected, and new hazards. OSHA Area Director James Mulligan in Massachusetts, emphasized the gravity of the situation and the significance of upholding safety standards. He stressed, “Safety and health is a fundamental right for every worker and must be a company-wide core value.”
Conclusion
The food plant case serves as a strong reminder that maintaining a safe working environment is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. As a small or midsize business owner, your commitment to employee safety not only safeguards your workforce but also preserves the reputation and sustainability of your business.
By adhering to OSHA regulations, addressing identified hazards promptly, and fostering a culture of safety, you contribute to the well-being and success of your employees and your business as a whole. Remember, investing in safety today ensures a secure and prosperous future for all.