Pilgrim’s has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for alleged safety violations at its poultry plant in Live Oak, Florida.
According to a press release from OSHA, the company received 14 citations. Among those are:
- Failing to make timely medical referrals for workplace injuries.
- Not ensuring workers followed energy-control procedures to prevent unexpected machine start-ups while cleaning equipment.
- Not ensuring portable ladders were used properly.
- Exposing employees to amputation hazards due to unguarded machine parts and equipment.
- Exposing workers to fall hazards up to 12 feet.
- Not ensuring employees use the proper hearing protection.
- Not providing employee training concerning hazards associated with using chemicals
- Failure to record that 16 workers suffered hearing loss in 2015
Pilgrim’s reviewing citations
Pilgrim’s, in a statement, said it was reviewing OSHA’s complaints.
“Pilgrim’s is aware of the citation from OSHA regarding our Live Oak, Florida, poultry processing facility,” the company stated. “While we take any allegation regarding the safety of our team members seriously, we have not yet been afforded the opportunity to discuss the contents of OSHA’s press release directly with Department of Labor representatives. We are in the process of reviewing the citations internally and look forward to formally discussing any alleged concerns with OSHA. As always, we welcome any opportunity to improve our ability to provide a safe working environment for our team members.”
Pilgrims has 15 business days to contest the citations, which carry with them $78,175 in fines.
