Meat Processor Fined $182K for Process Safety Violations

A Nebraska meat processing operation faces $182,926 in fines after investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration identified more than a dozen serious process safety violations, the agency announced in a January 18 press release.

An investigation was initiated at the Noah’s Ark Processors LLC facility in Hastings, NE because a worker at the site was exposed to anhydrous ammonia and received severe burns. OSHA issued citations for 16 violations, including lapses in the firm’s Process Safety Management (PSM) program, lockout/tagout violations, and lacking roof opening guards.  

“When employers fail to properly document procedures and control highly hazardous chemicals, there is a potential for unintentional releases that can result in serious and fatal injuries,” OSHA Area Director in Omaha Jeff Funke said in a statement. “By implementing and sustaining workplace safety and health programs, employers can monitor their processes to ensure safeguards are in place to protect workers.”

PSM rules are intended to assist operations manage processes that involve highly hazardous chemicals, like ammonia. The firm has 15 business days after receipt of the citations to comply, challenge the findings before an independent board, or request an informal meeting with an OSHA area director.

The plant in Hastings is operated by Western Reserve Protein Group, a company owned by Noah’s Ark Processing. 

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