Food manufacturer fined $273K by OSHA for failing to protect employees from moving machine parts

An OSHA investigation has determined that Rana Meal Solutions LLC failed to protect workers from coming into contact with moving machine parts. The company, which produces pasta, sauces, and meals, has been investigated three times during the past five years. Recently, an employee suffered a finger amputation while trying to find a piece of a broken ball valve lodged in the system. The investigation determined that Rana Meal Solutions failed to make sure workers were adequately de-energizing all hazardous energy sources, and did not conduct periodic inspections of lockout procedures and practices at least annually. OSHA cited the company for two repeat and twelve serious violations. The company faces $272,792 in penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Jacob Scott said, “Once again, our inspectors found Rana Meal Solutions LLC ignoring federal safety requirements to make sure dangerous machines are guarded or fully de-energized before they are maintained or serviced. In 2019 and 2020, OSHA found the company exposed employees to the risk of severe injuries and now, in 2023, their failure to follow industry and federal safety standards led one worker to suffer a painful, disfiguring injury.”