Wisconsin Ag Connection - Abbyland Foods Faces OSHA Violations

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Abbyland Foods Faces OSHA Violations
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/05/2007

A central Wisconsin food processing company could face up to $248,000 in fines for alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards. The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration says Abbyland Foods Inc. of Abbotsford was issued citations for three willful violations with proposed penalties totaling $210,000.

OSHA alleges that the company failed to provide proper audiograms and training to all employees exposed to hazardous noise levels; to properly enforce hearing protection requirements; and to utilize proper lockout/tagout procedures for equipment receiving servicing in order to prevent accidental start-ups. The agency also issued 11 citations to Abbyland Foods for serious violations with proposed penalties for violations like slippery floors and open-sided platforms. Several 'other-than-serious' citations were also cited.

"Injuries, such as amputation, and fatalities from accidents are preventable," said Melvin Lischefski, OSHA's area director in Appleton. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthful or face intense scrutiny by OSHA."

OSHA has inspected Abbyland Foods Inc. five times and issued it 38 other citations since 1997. They initiated the latest inspection after an employee's finger had been amputated at the plant.