Poultry processor fined for previously identified safety violations
The US Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) started a follow-up inspection in December 2013 which found the firm was still violating safety standards, prompting a $59,400 proposed penalty.
OSHA's inspection found four repeat, three serious and one other-than-serious safety violation at the Birdsboro facility.
Repeat violations listed
Repeat violations involve failure to develop machine-specific procedures for preventing a machine from turning on during servicing; provide machine guarding; guard live electrical parts; and provide personal protective equipment for the eyes and face for employees exposed to electrical hazards. The repeat violations carry a $39,600 penalty.
Serious violations, with an $18,810 penalty, were cited for failing to provide training to employees on safe maintenance of machines.
The company was cited for not having a hearing conservation program to protect employees from hearing loss.
Carrying a $990 penalty, an additional violation was cited for failing to keep required records.
"The safety of all workers, including vulnerable, non-English speaking Latinos employed at the Birdsboro facility, continues to be jeopardized by this company's repeated failure to correct these hazards," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office.
"It is imperative that this employer complete the necessary actions to address these unsafe conditions to ensure a safe and healthy workplace."
Previous site inspection
Birdsboro Kosher Farms Corp. was formed in 2012 as a successor company to MVP Kosher Foods.
In 2012, OSHA conducted previous inspections at the site when it was operated by MVP Kosher Foods and issued 15 serious, two repeat, and four other-than-serious violations with fines totaling $140,000.
The poultry processing plant was inspected in February in response to a complaint alleging the hazards but closed down without notice in mid-July.
