A pet food and ingredient processing facility in Galva, Illinois has violated some serious worker safety conditions and potentially faces more than $758,000 in fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). All-Feed Processing & Packaging Inc. is not a stranger to worksite safety errors. Back in 2009, it dealt with the aftermath of an explosion and fire from dust that had accumulated in the facility. Training, safety equipment, and proper signage were not being utilized at that time.
“By showing a blatant disregard for worker safety and health, this employer continues to expose workers to deadly hazards,” said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels.
In the current round of citations by OSHA, All-Feed was found not to have the right dust collection units for dust from food ingredients. It also did not require workers to use respirators who were exposed to dust levels that are in excess of allowed exposure limits. All-Feed was also given a serious violation for not having a written certification showing that they had eliminated all hazards that could pose an injury or fatality in its facility’s confined spaces.
As a result of 10 years of serious violations, All-Feed is in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program. OSHA will conduct follow up inspections to see if these errors are resolved and worker safety requirements are being upheld.
Beyond the violations already listed, All-Feed failed to keep industrial trucks filled with liquid propane away from combustible dust. The truck drivers did not have safety training and did not have load ratings on lifting devices. The company also did not have a hearing conservation program for employees who worked in areas of excessive noise. Signage was not visible to warn employees of dangerous areas and equipment in hazardous areas did not have warnings on them.
For workers who are dealing with breathing issues and other serious work-related health matters, workers’ compensation is available. Workers’ compensation is designed to help with medical bills, lost time away from work, and other related costs for work-related injuries and illnesses. If an employer is discouraging or blocking a worker from seeking adequate treatment, the employee can get an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney to help uphold their rights.
Robert Briskman is a Chicago workers’ compensation attorney and Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer with Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. To learn more call 1.877.595.4878 or visit http://www.briskmanandbriskman.com/.
