OSHA Cites Western Kansas Feed Manufacturer

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed $48,500 fines against a Garden City, Kansas livestock feed manufacturer.

OSHA alleges 24 safety violations by Hi Plains Feed in its anhydrous ammonia system. The agency said Wednesday it believes Hi Plains failed to train employees and did not have written operating procedures.

Hi Plains manager Ted Jackson said some violations occurred because the company was unaware OSHA had two sets of rules on anhydrous ammonia _ one for manufacturers, the other for farming use.

Jackson says the company has started to correct the violations under an OSHA plan that would substantially reduce the fines.