OSHA cites food firms for safety violations
Mane was cited with six safety and health violations after a September follow-up inspection found a repeat violation of OSHA's respiratory protection standards at its food flavouring facility in Milford, Ohio.
In the other case, Henningsen Foods was hit with seven violations at its Norfolk, Nebraska food processing plant after two workers suffered burns.
OSHA cites Mane
Mane was handed proposed fines totalling $55,000, including one repeat violation and five serious violations.
One repeat violation was cited for failing to fit test employees for respiratory protection, a similar violation was cited in 2010.
Mane has been previously inspected by OSHA two times resulting in seven citations.
Five serious violations were cited for failing to store and handle flammable liquids and provide adequate respiratory protection.
"Employers who fail to correct previously noted deficiencies show a blatant disregard for worker's safety and health," said Bill Wilkerson, OSHA's area director in Cincinnati."
Henningsen Foods cited
OSHA cited Henningsen Foods with seven alleged safety violations, including one repeat, after two workers received multiple burns while performing maintenance on gas vaporizers at its Norfolk facility in October 2012.
Fines of $45,000 were proposed after the inspection was expanded under OSHA's Site Specific Targeting Program for industries with high injury and illness rates.
A total of six serious violations included failing to ensure that knowledgeable personnel performed maintenance on direct fired liquid petroleum gas vaporizers; conduct and document periodic reviews of lockout/tagout procedures for the control of hazardous energy; and guard machines and install proper electrical panels in damp environments.
One repeat violation was cited for failing to conduct powered industrial truck recertification every three years, with a similar violation in October 2008.
About the firm
Henningsen Foods, headquartered in Omaha, operates manufacturing facilities in David City and Ravenna, as well as a research, development and technical services center in Omaha.
The company has been inspected by OSHA five times since 2008.
"Companies, such as Henningsen Foods, have a responsibility to ensure their workers are properly trained to use equipment safely that is necessary to perform their jobs," said Bonita Winingham, OSHA's area director in Omaha.
"When companies demonstrate a higher than average rate of injury and illness, they need to review and improve their safety and health programs, while also training their workers."
Both companies have15 days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference or contest the finding before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
