GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — OSHA is proposing fines after federal investigators found a Green Bay processing plant failed to protect a worker from amputations by ignoring required safety standards.
Inspectors with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration began investigating a December 2022 injury at JBS Green Bay Inc.
The worker suffered crushing injuries to his right index and middle fingers while removing a shackle from a cow moving down a trolley line.
OSHA found that JBS failed to ensure that there was adequate guarding in place on the trolley line to protect workers from pinch points.
“Unfortunately, injuries to workers in the meat processing industry are common but they can be prevented when required safety procedures are followed,” explained OSHA Area Director Robert Bonack in Appleton, Wisconsin. “JBS Foods is well aware of these typical industry hazards and of their legal obligation to provide employees with a safe and healthful workplace.”
OSHA cited JBS Green Bay Inc. for four repeat, four serious and two other-than-serious violations. Other infractions were related to lockout/tagout, fall and electrical hazards and hazard communication. The agency proposed $227,786 in penalties.
JBS has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
