OSHA violations can cost your company time and money. Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc has been cited because of OSHA violations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The incident took place on June 3, 2019. Duda is based out of Belle Glade, Florida. The employees of Duda were increasing exposure to safety hazards after an employee required medical treatment. This is because of an anhydrous ammonia leak in the farm’s packing hours. This has resulted in the company to face $95,472 in penalties.
OSHA cited this because the company failed to show employees what to do in the case of an emergency like this. The employees were not on an evacuation plan or a written emergency response plan. Duda also failed to provide safety and health training to the employees that were operating ammonia refrigeration systems. “This incident reveals the harm that can result when chemical facilities fail to comply with worker safety regulations,” OSHA Fort Lauderdale Area Director Condell Eastmond. “Employers are required to conduct a process hazard analysis to review what could go wrong, and what safeguards must be used to prevent releases of Hazardous Chemicals.”
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 states that employers are responsible for providing safe workplaces for employees. The role of OSHA is to ensure that companies are meeting standards and regulations. A safe working environment is important not only for employers but for staff and patients as well. It is important for companies and it is employees to take proper training to incase of incidents or emergencies. Companies should have proper action plans in place so penalties and fines won’t accumulate over time. If you have questions or concerns contact your states OSHA department. To find out more information click the link below.
