U.S. Department of Labor Cites Food Manufacturer and Staffing Agency After Employee’s Injury

SYRACUSE, NY – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Marshall Ingredients LLC for failing to protect employees against amputations and other hazards at its Wolcott facility. The food ingredients manufacturer and distributor faces $300,062 in proposed penalties.

OSHA opened an inspection in July 2017 after a temporary employee suffered a hand amputation. The company was cited for willful and serious violations for failing to provide machine guarding to protect employees from contact with operating machinery; failing to develop procedures and provide training on how to prevent the unexpected startup of machinery; and exposing employees to fall, confined space, chemical, mechanical, electrical, and combustible dust hazards.

OSHA also cited the temporary staffing agency, People Ready, with two serious violations for lack of hazardous energy control and fire extinguisher training. Proposed penalties totaled $24,020.

“This incident could have been prevented had adequate machine guards been in place,” said OSHA Syracuse Area Office Director Christopher Adams. “Employers have a responsibility to implement and maintain safeguards to protect their employees from amputation hazards.”

The companies have 15 business days from receipt of their 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. The citations for Marshall Ingredients can be viewed here and here. The citations for People Ready can be viewed here.

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.