Texas Feed Company Fined $83K by OSHA for Safety Hazards

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited CPE Feeds Inc. of Brownfield, TX, a feed manufacturer and provider of used agricultural machinery for processing feed, on Nov. 28 with 22 safety violations for failing to provide a safe working environment for its employees, the agency announced Thursday.

Among the violations identified by OSHA inspectors were:

- Lack of guarding on vehicles.
- Exposed energized wires.
- Lack of guarding on runways and platforms.
- Lack of handrails on stairwells.
- Welding cylinders not properly stores.
- Fire extinguishers not kept in designated locations.
- Using flexible cords as fixed wiring.
- Not providing hearing protection.

“As an employer, CPE Feeds must protect its employees from amputation, electrocution, and grain-handling hazards. It must also train workers in how to work safely,” a statement by OSHA’s area director in Lubbock, TX, Elizabeth Linda Routh, said. “Our emphasis program will continue to target the industry and CPE Feeds until safety becomes a critical part of this company’s culture.”

The feed company faces $83,059 in proposed fines, the agency said. CPE Feeds has 15 days from the receipt of the citations to comply, contest the findings before an independent panel, or request an informal conference with an OSHA area director.

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