OSHA cited the Ferrara Candy Co.’s Bellwood, IL facility for the site’s “long history” of machine safety violations.

Powder Bulk Solids Staff

September 30, 2022

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Confectionery products manufacturer Ferrara Candy Co. was cited by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for machine-related hazards at its Bellwood, IL facility. The agency announced this week that a safety inspection of the Illinois site revealed amputation hazards because the company failed to implement energy control procedures like lockout/tagout when workers cleared jams and performed service on equipment.

OSHA received a complaint of unsafe working conditions at Ferrara’s Bellwood plant on April 4. The workplace safety regulator issued one repeat violation and four serious safety violations, as well as a proposed fine of $201,379.

“Ferrara Candy Co. knows its workers can suffer debilitating injuries, such as amputations, when machines are not properly deenergized before servicing or maintaining them,” OSHA’s Chicago North Area Director Angeline Loftus in Arlington Heights, IL, said in a release. “Yet, company personnel continue to expose employees needlessly to these hazards. OSHA will continue to hold manufacturers accountable for using safe work practices, including lockout.”

Citations were issued for failing to provide access to an eyewash station and allowing workers to operate powered industrial vehicles while in disrepair.

The company has 15 business days after receiving the penalties and citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before an independent panel.

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Powder Bulk Solids Staff

Established in 1983, Powder & Bulk Solids (PBS) serves industries that process, handle, and package dry particulate matter, including the food, chemical, and pharmaceutical markets.

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