Tyson pays fine in violation leading to worker death
Maintenance employee Jason Kelley died of exposure to hydrogen sulphide gas in October 2003 while repairing a leak; another employee and two emergency personnel were hospitalized due to exposure during the rescue attempt.
The Justice Department said that Tyson Foods has agreed to pay the maximum criminal fine of $500,000, and it will also serve one year probation.
In its ruling, the Department alleged that Tyson Foods was aware as of October 2003 that hydrogen sulphide gas was present in its plants but failed to take sufficient steps to implement controls or protective equipment to reduce exposure to the gas.
The Occupational Safety and Health Act requires employers to maintain facilities that are free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.
