Ice cream manufacturer fined $145K after OSHA investigates report of ammonia release

An OSHA investigation has determined that AJLS Enterprises Inc., which operates as Schoep’s Ice Cream, lacked necessary process safety management procedures to control the release of hazardous chemicals. The investigation began after a report alleged that workers were being exposed to anhydrous ammonia, a chemical used in the refrigeration process, at the ice cream plant. Exposure to the chemical can lead to respiratory issues, as well as burns to the skin and eyes. OSHA investigators found that the company failed to “document that equipment was being operated consistent with best engineering processes, update processes following audits and respond to changes in the process.”