US Department of Labor cites Robbinsville frozen food manufacturer after investigation into worker’s fatal fall from scissor lift

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – A U.S. Department of Labor investigation into the fatal fall of a contractor at a Robbinsville frozen food manufacturer identified a wide range of potentially fatal workplace hazards at CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC, leading the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to issue the employer citations for 36 violations and propose $368,513 in penalties.

A contractor suffered fatal injuries in December 2021 when they fell 11 feet while using a scissor lift to replace a freezer drain. OSHA’s investigation found a damaged and inoperable snap hook on the lift’s safety chain and that the company did not inspect the lift before work began.

“CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC could have prevented this tragedy had it followed proper safety precautions,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “The company must address and correct a substantial number of hazardous conditions identified during our inspection so that nobody else has to risk their life.”

OSHA also found the company exposed workers to:

• Amputations and lacerations from unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery.
• Explosion hazards from accumulations of combustible flour dust on equipment, floors and surfaces throughout the plant.
• Confined space hazards when entering a wastewater pit to service a water meter.
• Hexavalent chromium hazards during welding operations.
• Chemical burns from caustic chemicals due to inaccessible decontamination showers and eyewash stations.
• Being struck by forklifts operated by untrained employees.
• Numerous electric shock hazards.

View the citations. OSHA has placed the company in the agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

CJ TMI manufactures frozen dumpling, wontons and noodles for the Twin Marquis and Chef One brands.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Visit OSHA’s website for information on developing a workplace safety and health program. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.