Food processor fined $242K for lacking machine safety guards, leading to a worker’s finger being amputated

An OSHA investigation has determined that a lack of required safety guards at a Zwanenberg Food Group USA manufacturing plant in Cincinnati, Ohio, lead to a worker suffering a finger amputation earlier this year. The incident occurred when the 29-year-old worker, who had been on the job only seven months, reached into a meat grinder’s discharge port. This is the second time since 2022 that a worker has suffered an amputation at the plant.

The food processing company has been cited for two repeat violations, one for not having required machine guarding on the discharge port, and one for failing to train workers on lockout/tagout procedures. This is the fourth time since 2017 that the company violated lockout/tagout safety standards. In addition, Zwanenberg Food Group USA faces $242,197 in penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery said, “While they have taken a first important step at this plant, Zwanenberg Food Group needs to change their workplace culture and make worker safety a priority. As an employer, they are responsible for protecting their temporary workers and making sure they are trained on workplace hazards and control measures to address those hazards.”