Animal food manufacturer fined $161K for exposing workers to airborne dust hazards
An OSHA investigation has determined that Strauss Feeds LLC exposed employees to the risks of explosions, fires, and long-term respiratory illnesses. The company, which manufactures animal food, was found to have excessive amounts of airborne dust, as well as other health and safety violations, at its Watertown plant in Wisconsin.
During the investigation, OSHA inspectors uncovered serious combustible and airborne dust hazards caused by a combination of poor housekeeping, a failure to evaluate spaces for dust hazards, and a lack of engineering controls to reduce dust. Additionally, Strauss Feeds had failed to create a written respiratory protection program.
Ultimately, the company was cited for 19 serious and five other-than-serious violations. These violations include hazards from walking and working surfaces, falls, confined space and the operation of industrial trucks and forklifts when combustible dust hazards were present. Strauss Feeds faces $161,332 in proposed penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Chad Greenwood said, “Unsafe levels of airborne dust can ignite suddenly, causing explosions and fires that jeopardize the safety of workers. Left unchecked, these same dust hazards can cause workers long-term health issues. Companies that manufacture products that create excessive dust particles must use engineering systems and highly effective respiratory protection programs to protect employees from harm.”
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