OSHA Cites Candy Manufacturer After Workers Allegedly Exposed to Amputation Hazards
Ferrara Candy Co. was cited for five violations after an inspection.
- By Alex Saurman
- Oct 06, 2022
A candy manufacturer in Illinois is facing five violations after an inspection allegedly found workers exposed to amputation hazards, OSHA said.
In April 2022, OSHA received a complaint about “unsafe working conditions” at Ferrara Candy Co., according to a news release. The agency found “energy control procedures” were not used when workers needed to service the machine, putting them at risk for amputation hazards, OSHA said. The agency also noted that workers had been exposed and lockout procedures not used now three times in five years at the facility.
The inspection led to five violations—one repeat violation and four serious violations. The citations were also issued for not ensuring workers had access to an eyewash station and letting powered industrial vehicles in need of repair continue to be used, OSHA said. The agency proposed $201,379 in penalties.
"Ferrara Candy Co. knows its workers can suffer debilitating injuries, such as amputations, when machines are not properly de-energized before servicing or maintaining them," said OSHA's Chicago North Area Director Angeline Loftus in Arlington Heights, Illinois in the news release. "Yet, company personnel continue to expose employees needlessly to these hazards. OSHA will continue to hold manufacturers accountable for using safe work practices, including lockout."
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.