The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Michael Foods, Inc., an egg processing facility in Wakefield, Nebraska for multiple safety violations. The fines came after an employee suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a dock leveler, which is a device used to allow a forklift to travel between a loading dock and a trailer.
OSHA investigators determined that the employer failed to properly brace the dock leveler during maintenance procedures, causing it to fall onto an employee who was assisting in the maintenance. OSHA cited Michael Foods for exposing employees to hazards associated with failing to properly brace equipment during servicing and maintaining, and failing to develop written and effective training and procedures for lockout/tagout. It also found violations relating to electrical and arc flash hazards.
Michael Foods faces $188,464 in proposed penalties. 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.
