OSHA Cites Pilgrim's Pride for Medical Mismanagement and Other Safety Hazards
The chicken producer was also cited for fall and machine guarding hazards.
OSHA has cited Pilgrim's Pride Corp. for 14 serious and eight other-than-serious safety and health violations after an inspection.
The inspection, which is part of the agency's emphasis on poultry processing facilities, determined the following violations: failure to make timely medical referrals, not ensuring workers followed energy control procedures, not ensuring portable ladders were used properly, exposing workers to amputation hazards, and exposing workers to fall hazards.
Other violations including training hazards associated with chemicals. Proposed penalties are $78,175.
"Referring an employee for medical attention in a timely manner is critical in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders or further injury," said Brian Sturtecky, OSHA's area director in Jacksonville. "Having employees visit a first-aid room for ‘in-house treatment’ over a course of weeks or months without a referral to a physician can lead to additional long-lasting injuries for employees. It is the employer's responsibility to ensure workers are protected from workplace injuries."