An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation found that uncontrolled temperature and pressure conditions in an ammonia refrigeration system caused a January 19 ammonia leak at a Pilgrim’s Pride poultry processing plant in Canton, Georgia.
The agency issued nine serious citations to Pilgrim’s Pride for failure to confirm a pre-startup safety review before introducing a highly hazardous chemical into an existing process, and include instructions to address process deviations, train workers on the physical and health hazards of anhydrous ammonia, ensure exit signs were properly illuminated and clearly identified and maintain safe walking and working surfaces.
“The failures identified in this case are inexcusable,” OSHA Area Office Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta-East, said in a statement.
“This incident should serve as a reminder to employers of their legal obligation to maintain a complete and up-to-date process safety management program and ensure workers are trained on the dangers of hazardous chemicals and the importance of following safety precautions.”
Three people at the Pilgrim’s Pride poultry processing plant in Canton, Georgia were hospitalized when a broken ammonia pipe caused a leak in January. According to a press release from Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services, the incident occurred just shortly after 8 p.m. on January 19.
“Cherokee County firefighters and members of the Cherokee County Haz-Mat Team arrived on scene to find a broken ammonia pipe. Approximately 42 employees ran outside to the back of the building were the leak occurred until help could arrive. Three of the employees were taken to area hospitals to be evaluated for mild to severe injuries,” the release stated.
Pilgrim’s Pride will owe a proposed $110,630 in penalties. The company 15 business days to comply with the penalties associated with the January ammonia leak, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Pilgrim’s Pride, according to the WATTPoultry.com Top Companies database, is the second largest broiler producer in the United States, having processed 161.66 million pounds of ready-to-cook chicken in 2020. The company also has operations in Mexico and in Europe.
