The United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recently fined a Greeley, CO, company almost $50,000 for violations after machine injuries killed an employee. According to the agency, JBS USA LLC failed to protect workers from moving machine parts.
June Accident
In June 2014, an employee reportedly suffocated when he became trapped in a conveyor at JBS USA, which does business as JBS Swift. The man reportedly suffered machine injuries when his hair and arm were caught in a conveyor system at the meat packing plant. An OSHA investigation found that the employee was working on a conveyor belt without required protection when the machine injuries occurred. The company, which employs 3,100, had been cited for the same violation in 2010. JBS Swift was required to pay a $38,500 fine.
De-Energizing Machinery
OSHA also cited the company for failing to control energy sources on machinery during service and maintenance. This alleged violation led to an additional $7,000 fine because it could have resulted in serious machine injuries to employees.
Machine Injuries Taken Seriously
OSHA officials have said that workers can become entangled quickly when they are exposed to moving equipment, which can lead to machine injuries. Those can include loss of limbs, crushed fingers or hands, burns, amputations or blindness.
JBS Swift had 15 days to comply with OSHA requirements, contest the findings or request a conference with OSHA.
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