An OSHA investigation into Miracapo Pizza Company in Illinois determined that the death of a 29-year-old sanitation worker could have been avoided. During her overnight shift, the temporary worker was cleaning a spiral conveyer when her head became trapped in the machinery. She ultimately died of her injuries. OSHA investigators learned that temporary workers were not given proper training and did not have the authority to stop equipment from moving before cleaning. Miracapo Pizza Company had previously been investigated for worker amputations occurring in November 2022 and October 2021. This most recent OSHA invitation resulted in 16 willful egregious violations, one willful violation, and 12 serious violations. The specialty frozen pizza manufacturer faces $2,812,658 in penalties. GDI Services Inc., a contractor that provided sanitation services to Miracapo Pizza Company, was also investigated and received two willful and two serious violations and faces $334,839 in penalties.
In a recent quote, Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said, “This tragedy took the life of a young woman, and forever changes the lives of her family, friends and co-workers. Safety standards are put in place to prevent these kinds of tragedies. Employers have a responsibility to train workers in the language they understand so they know how to perform their work safely.”