The Department of Labor finds Alabama sausage manufacturer continues exposing workers to safety hazards after a second follow-up inspection.
What Happened?
A follow-up inspection at an Atalla meat processing and packing facility in July 2024, found the company failing to correct safety hazards identified in 2 previous inspections.
In December 2022, OSHA cited Dean Sausage Company Inc. with 7 serious and 7 other-than-serious violations for:
- Not ensuring machines had proper safety guards
- Failing to Lockout/Tagout machines prior to maintenance and servicing
- Using electric power and lighting installations unsafely
- And exposing employees to struck-by and caught-in hazards, electric shock and burns, and hazardous chemicals
The Follow-Up Inspections
In September 2023, OSHA returned for a follow-up inspection and again found many of the same violations. The company received 9 repeat, 2 serious, and 1 other-than-serious violation.
OSHA assessed $109,823 in proposed penalties after the 2022 and 2023 inspections.
In July 2024, OSHA cited the company for 3 repeat violations for:
- Not developing, documenting, and using machine-specific lockout/tagout procedures
- Not training employees on the lockout/tagout program
- And failing to develop and implement a written hazard communication program for employees exposed to hazardous chemicals
OSHA also cited the company 2 serious violations for missing electrical panel covers.
Dean’s Sausage Company Inc. faces $ 103,245 in proposed penalties for the 2024 inspection.
Preventing The Violation
Dean’s Sausage Company Inc. should have corrected the violations from the first inspection in 2022. Correcting violations immediately can prevent additional inspections and violations.
Preventing repeated violations requires a proactive approach focused on identifying root causes, implementing effective corrective actions, and fostering a culture of safety and compliance. Organizations should regularly review and update their safety protocols to ensure they address all potential risks, ensuring that any past violations are not repeated.