Region 7 News Release: 11-692-KAN
May 11, 2011
Contact: Rich Kulczewski
Phone: 303-844-1302
Email: kulczewski.richard@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites Cargill Meat Solutions in
Dodge City, Kan., for workplace safety and health violations
Employees exposed to numerous occupational hazards

DODGE CITY, Kan. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Cargill Meat Solutions of Dodge City with two repeat and 23 serious violations for exposing workers to numerous occupational hazards. Proposed fines total $176,400 following a combined safety and health inspection at the facility.

OSHA's inspection of the beef processing and packaging company was initiated in November 2010 under the agency's Site-Specific Targeting Program, through which OSHA focuses on employers with higher-than-average occupational injury and illness rates.

"Many hazards at this facility existed for a long period of time, and there is just no excuse for exposing workers to them," said Charles Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. "It is imperative that employers take the necessary steps to eliminate hazards and provide a safe working environment for all of their employees."

The two repeat violations address a lack of machinery anchorage and improperly used flexible cords. Similar citations were issued in February 2007 and again in October 2009. 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 23 serious violations address hazards associated with process safety management, fall protection, access and egress, lockout/tagout of energy sources, material storage, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, electrical deficiencies, compressed gas cylinders and hazard communication. 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.

Cargill Meat Solutions has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Wichita, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Wichita Area Office; telephone 316-269-6644. 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.