U.S. Department of Labor Cites Mississippi Poultry Processor After Employees Hospitalized for Ammonia Exposure

LAUREL, MS – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Wayne Farms LLC for exposing employees to hazardous chemicals. The poultry processing company in Laurel, Mississippi, faces $119,341 in penalties.

On January 27, 2019, 12 employees needed transport to nearby hospitals after a leak caused the release of 2,100 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. OSHA cited the company for failing to provide an operable alarm responsible for indicating the release of hazardous chemicals.

OSHA also cited Wayne Farms for failing to:

• Equip an ammonia refrigeration system with a pressure relief device as referenced by the manufacturer’s operating manual;
• Train technicians to use an alternative over-pressure safety procedure to prevent pipes from rupturing and releasing anhydrous ammonia;
• Perform a management of change procedure to determine the effects of removing safety relief devices from all condensers;
• Make available medical surveillance for response team members exposed to hazardous substances above the permissible exposure limits;
• Inspect Level B respiratory protection equipment; and
• Provide a medical evaluation to determine each employee’s ability to use a respirator.

OSHA conducted the inspection in conjunction with the Regional Emphasis Program for Poultry Processing Facilities and Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals National Emphasis Program.

“When employers fail to properly manage and control highly hazardous chemicals, the potential exists for unintentional releases that can result in serious and fatal injuries,” said OSHA Area Director Courtney Bohannon in Jackson, Mississippi. “OSHA encourages employers to reach out to their local OSHA office for assistance in identifying and mitigating hazards that unnecessarily put their employees in harm’s way. Call 800-321-OSHA to find the local OSHA office.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

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 help ensure these conditions for American working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.