Industry News

Beef processing plant fined $275K for willful and serious safety violations following worker’s amputation

Jan. 16, 2024

Nebraska Beef was cited for two willful and 11 serious violations.

An OSHA investigation has determined that Nebraska Beef Ltd. failed to protect its workers from numerous safety and health hazards. The investigation began after a worker suffered a serious hand injury last year while trying to help a forklift operator position materials at the facility. The employee’s fingertip became caught in the forklift attachment and an amputation was required three weeks later.

The beef processing plant was cited for two willful and 11 serious violations. These violations include failing to implement lockout/tagout procedures, a lack of safety protocols for material handing, and exposing employees to live electrical parts. The company will have to pay $274,569 in proposed penalties.

In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Matthew Thurlby said, “An employee of Nebraska Beef Ltd. suffered a permanent injury because the company knowingly ignored safety measures that are meant to prevent this very type of incident. The company must reassess its safety training and procedures immediately to keep other employees from suffering needless injuries.”

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector.