Region 2 News Release: 11-1180-NEW (osha 11-090)
Aug. 17, 2011
Contact: Leni Fortson Joanna Hawkins
Phone: 215-861-5102 215-861-5101
Email: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov hawkins.joanna@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Swedesboro, NJ, food processing
company for exposing employees to safety hazards

SWEDESBORO, N.J. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Missa Bay LLC for five safety violations at its Swedesboro facility. Proposed penalties total $51,000 following OSHA's March 10 inspection.

"Each of these violations leaves employees at risk of serious injury and possible death," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Marlton Area Office. "It is vital that the company correct these violations immediately to protect the workers at this facility."

Two repeat violations with penalties of $30,000 involve to the company's failure to ensure workers were wearing safety glasses and ensure the proper level of compressed air was used for cleaning food particles. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The employer was previously cited for these violations at the same location on Feb. 19, 2010.

Three serious violations with penalties of $21,000 involve electrical hazards; failing to perform monthly inspections of hoist chains and hooks, including signed reports; and failing to perform periodic crane inspections. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Missa Bay LLC is a food processing company that employs 87 workers at the Swedesboro site.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, ask for an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Marlton office; telephone 856-596-5200. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.