Following the accidental exposure of two workers to ammonia, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an intensive evaluation of worker safety during January 2024. The Agency identified 40 serious violations in addition to other minor problems. Items noted by OSHA and are possibly common to other packing and processing facilities included: -
- Inadequate lock out/tag out procedures.
- Failure to implement a hazard communication plan.
- Unmarked exits.
- Unsafe electrical equipment and installations.
- Exposure to noise.
- Lack of PPE.
- Unsafe walking surfaces and lack of protection from falls.
HK Cooperative employs 370 workers in the J.H. Routh Packing Company plant in Sandusky, OH. OSHA assessed more than $500,000 in penalties for violations with the amount to be appealed.