Processor Fined $41,700 After Worker Amputation

ATLANTA — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Callaway Farms Manufacturing for safety and health violations. The inspection occurred in July at the Washington, Ga., worksite following an incident in which a worker slipped and suffered a partial amputation to both feet while attempting to remove an obstruction from a shaving machine. Callaway Farms is being cited with 20 serious violations and $41,700 in proposed penalties. The violations include the employer failing to provide workers who are exposed to bloodborne pathogens with a written bloodborne pathogens program, training, and Hepatitis B vaccination or medical evaluation at no cost. Additionally, the employer did not ensure workers wore protective footwear, did not develop procedures to control hazardous energy, permitted employees to operate machinery without guards and failed to install the proper electrical equipment where there was combustible dust. Several deficiencies also were cited regarding the manufacturer's lockout/tagout of energy sources and confined space programs. "This incident has highlighted the dangers Callaway Farms workers face daily. OSHA found a number of serious hazards that put employees at risk and must be corrected before another injury occurs," said Gei-Thae Breezley, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "All workers deserve a safe workplace and to return to their homes injury-free at the end of their workdays." The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by staff from OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office, 2183 Northlake Parkway, Building 7, Suite 110, Tucker, Ga.; telephone 770-493-6644. Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to promote safe and healthful working conditions for America's men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, outreach and education. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.