Sandusky pork processing plant fined $528K for 43 safety violations after workers were exposed to ammonia
Two OSHA inspections conducted in December 2023 and January 2024 have uncovered that HK Cooperative Inc., operating as J.H. Routh Packing Co., exposed employees to a multitude of hazards. The investigations began after the agency was notified that two workers had been exposed to ammonia gas during maintenance of a refrigeration system.
After the investigations, which were conducted under the Regional Emphasis Program for food manufacturing, the Sandusky pork processing facility was cited for 40 serious violations and two other-than-serious violations and one repeat violation. These violations included exposing employees to amputation hazards, insufficient fall protection, a lack of lockout/tagout procedures for machines, unsafe electrical equipment and installations and more. Because of these citations, the company faces $528,441 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Todd Jensen said, “Every day, people employed in food manufacturing operations face serious safety and health hazards. Unsafe exposure to ammonia in refrigeration can irritate the respiratory tract, eyes, and nasal passages. At high levels, ammonia exposure may even be fatal. J.H. Routh Packing Co. and other Ohio food industry employers must review their procedures to continually protect workers from preventable injuries and allow them to end their work shifts safely.”
OSHA in the news
Pallet manufacturer fined $177K after worker is struck by a machine and dies
Since 2016, Konz’s Appleton plant has been inspected five times, and was cited for four serious violations in 2019.
Stanley Black + Decker fined $222K after worker is injured in electrical arc blast
The worker suffered severe burns during an electrical arc blast while trying to replace fuses to repair an industrial oven.
NAM files lawsuit to block OSHA’s finalized “walkaround” rule
The NAM believes that this change fails to advance OSHA’s mission of ensuring workplace safety, goes beyond the department’s authority, and violates businesses’ rights.
Learn more about industrial safety
Fostering Strong Employee-Supervisor Relationships: A Key to Safety Excellence
When employees trust their supervisors, they are more likely to adhere to safety protocols and guidelines.
A Thoughtful Safety Program Won’t Save a Thoughtless Culture
A survey of 230 manufacturers shows a strong correlation between safety and organizational excellence.
Employees Are Concerned About Safety and Lack of Training
Half feel companies could be doing more to reduce incidents, and 83% said protocols are merely checkboxes.