A Nebraska meatpacking plant, Nebraska Beef, is currently facing serious allegations of safety violations following a severe injury to one of its employees. The incident, involving a serious hand injury to a forklift operator, has prompted an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), revealing a series of major safety concerns.
OSHA has imposed a fine of $274,000 on Nebraska Beef for “two willful and 11 serious violations.” The company is now faced with a decision to either appeal or pay these fines within 15 days. This action by OSHA underscores the severity of the situation and the importance of workplace safety standards.
The injury, which occurred in June at the South Omaha plant, involved the operator’s fingertip getting caught in a part of the forklift, leading to a medically necessitated amputation. This incident, reported by the company itself, opened the door to a thorough OSHA investigation, which uncovered various safety issues.
During the investigation, OSHA identified multiple areas where Nebraska Beef fell short in ensuring a safe working environment. These included:
- Failure to isolate energy during service and maintenance of dock levelers.
- Unsafe working surfaces and fall hazards on platforms and ladders.
- The absence of readily available eye wash and drenching facilities.
- Exposure to live electrical parts due to electrical hazards.
- A lack of kits for handling chemical spills.
- Inadequately trained forklift operators and unsafe battery maintenance practices.
Matthew Thurlby, OSHA Area Director, highlighted the seriousness of these findings, stating, “An employee of Nebraska Beef Ltd. suffered a permanent injury because the company knowingly ignored safety measures that are meant to prevent this very type of incident.” He emphasized the need for Nebraska Beef to reassess its safety training and procedures immediately to prevent further injuries.
Thurlby also pointed out that the meatpacking industry in Nebraska has a higher-than-average injury rate, signaling a broader concern in the sector. This case not only casts a spotlight on the safety practices of Nebraska Beef but also raises questions about the overall safety standards within the meatpacking industry in the region.
