Food Manufacturer Cited for Workplace Injuries
The workplace should be fairly safe for employees. While some jobs are more dangerous than others, there should never be a risk of amputation. Sadly, this recently happened at a frozen food manufacturer in New Jersey, resulting in a citation.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC after a worker suffered an amputation. The frozen food manufacturer is located in Robbinsville, New Jersey.
This was not the first offense for the manufacturer, which manufactures frozen dumplings, wontons, and noodles. The agency has inspected CJ TMI Manufacturing America six times in the past five years. OSHA has also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program (SVEP). This program is intended to focus enforcement efforts for employers who are accused of willful, repeated violations relating to significant hazards.
In total, OSHA cited the employer with four willful, one repeat, and three serious violations. The proposed penalties totaled $551,719. In 2022 alone, OSHA cited CJ TMI Manufacturing America with 36 violations after an employee suffered a fatal fall at the plant.
Then in August 2023 was the amputation injury. An investigation by OSHA showed that the company exposed workers to lockout/tagout hazards. Last fall, OSHA announced that its lockout/tagout standard was its sixth most cited standard, cited 2,554 times in fiscal year 2023.
OSHA is concerned about subsequent violations as the manufacturer continues to leave its workers vulnerable to hazardous conditions. These hazards must be addressed immediately to prevent future incidents.
Amputations in the Workplace
Amputations are a serious issue. Many workers have had arms, legs, fingers, toes, hands, and feet cut off due to a lack of safety precautions in their work environments. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several standards in place to protect workers from amputations in the workplace.
Proper work practices and employee training can help prevent and control amputation hazards. Machine safeguarding is the best way to control amputations caused by stationary machinery. These machines should have guards to provide physical barriers so that body parts cannot access hazardous areas. Workers should not be able to remove or tamper with them. Devices can also help prevent contact with points of operation and may replace or supplement guards. Devices can interrupt the normal cycle of the machine when body parts come into contact with machine parts. Devices must not create hazards or interfere with normal machine operation. They should be secure and tamper-resistant.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
A workplace injury can result in catastrophic injuries. Employers should have extensive training and safety measures in place, but many cut corners, resulting in dangerous workplaces.
A Morristown work-related accident attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can help you recover full and fair compensation for the victims of work-related accidents and injuries. Schedule a free consultation by filling out the online form or calling (973) 455-1567.
Source:
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