Milledgeville grocer exposed workers to risk of coronavirus, amputation hazards, US Department of Labor inspection finds

MILLEDGEVILLE, GA – A Milledgeville grocery store faces $9,362 in penalties after the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration found the employer failed to protect employees from exposure to coronavirus and other safety hazards.

As part of OSHA’s National Emphasis Program for Coronavirus Disease, inspectors found Johnnie McDade Grocery failed to develop and implement timely and effective measures to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. The agency also cited the grocer for exposing workers to amputation hazards by failing to provide adequate guarding on a meat cutter band saw.

“Employers must take necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of their workers during the pandemic,” said OSHA Area Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta-East. “OSHA will continue to take action to enforce protections for employees against this dangerous pandemic.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

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 workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. Learn more about OSHA.