Region 5 News Release: 13-52-CHI
Jan. 22, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Rana Meal Solutions LLC with
12 safety violations at Bartlett, Ill., pasta manufacturing plant

BARTLETT, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Rana Meal Solutions LLC in Bartlett with 12 safety violations following a complaint inspection alleging workers were exposed to ammonia hazards in July 2012 at the Bartlett plant, which was being retrofitted for use as a pasta production facility. Proposed fines total $54,000.

Eight serious violations of OSHA's process safety management standards were cited for deficiencies in the company's ammonia refrigeration process. These included a lack of written standard operating procedures for the ammonia refrigeration process; no emergency action plan; failing to perform inspections and tests on process equipment; not addressing the hazards of the ammonia refrigeration process; and failing to address the findings and recommendations of the process hazard analysis team.

"OSHA provides guidelines for employers to manage the safety and health of workers associated with processes involving hazardous chemicals. Failing to properly address these issues puts workers at risk for exposure," said Diane Turek, area director for OSHA's Chicago North office. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."

Three additional serious violations involve failing to develop, implement and train employees in hazard communication, provide an emergency eyewash station and provide material data safety sheets for hazardous chemicals present in the workplace. 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.

More information about OSHA's standards for the management of hazards associated with processes involving highly hazardous chemicals is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/processsafetymanagement/index.html.

Additionally, one other-than-serious violation was issued for a slip and trip hazard after water was found on the floor of the engine room. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

Rana Meal Solutions has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines at 847-803-4800.

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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7830 or TTY 202-693-7755.