An OSHA investigation has determined that Mar-Jac Poultry could have prevented the death of a teenaged worker if the company had followed required safety procedures. The incident occurred in July 2023 when the worker became caught in a machine while attempting to clean it, suffering fatal injuries. The poultry processing plant reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and will implement enhanced safety measures to protect its employees from machine hazards. These additional safety measures include:
- Enhancing the sanitation shift with an additional, properly trained supervisor
- Making plant managers and safety directors complete OSHA’s 30-hour general industry training, with plant supervisors being required to complete OSHA’s 10-hour training
- Evaluating the safety exposures and hazards associated with current lockout/tagout procedures for the sanitation shift
As part of the settlement agreement, Mar-Jac Poultry must also pay $164,814 in fines.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt Petermeyer said, “Tragically, a teenage boy died needlessly before Mar-Jac Poultry took required steps to protect its workers. This settlement demands the company commit to a safer workplace environment and take tangible actions to protect their employees from well-known hazards. Enhanced supervision and increased training can go a long way toward minimizing risks faced by workers in meat processing facilities.”
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