Viscofan USA Faces $197,054 in Fines for Safety Failures
OSHA cites company for nine violations after two workers suffer severe injuries in separate incidents.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 31, 2024
Viscofan USA Inc., a global meat casing manufacturer, is facing $197,054 in fines following an OSHA investigation. The Danville, Illinois-based company was cited for nine violations after two employees suffered severe injuries in January and February 2024.
According to a recent release, the incident on January 25, 2024, occurred when a maintenance worker’s arm was caught in a roller machine, resulting in broken bones and lacerations that required hospitalization. The second incident happened a week later on February 1, 2024, when another employee sustained chemical burns while cleaning a pump.
OSHA's investigation revealed that Viscofan USA did not have adequate lockout/tag out energy control procedures in place before the workers began their tasks. Additionally, the company failed to train its employees on machine safety procedures and the use of hazardous chemicals. The agency also noted Viscofan USA had not reviewed its energy control procedures annually, as required.
“Viscofan USA has a long history of violations and worker injuries at its Danville facility, with two more workers needlessly suffering severe injuries because the company again failed to implement an effective safety and health program and develop specific energy control procedures to protect workers doing maintenance,” OSHA Area Director Edward Marshall in Peoria, Illinois, said in a statement. “Employers are responsible for training their workers and taking all necessary precautions to protect them from known hazards.”
The nine violations cited by OSHA include one repeat violation, seven serious violations and one other-than-serious violation. Viscofan USA—subsidiary of a global parent company based in Spain—has 15 business days from the receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the agency’s findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.