OSHA Cites Texas Meat Processor for Serious, Repeat Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued four serious and one repeat citation to Sam Kane Beef Processor Inc. following an inspection at the company’s facility in Corpus Christi, Texas, where multiple safety hazards were found.

Proposed penalties total $61,000.

OSHA’s Corpus Christi Area Office initiated a safety and health inspection on Dec. 2, 2010, at the company’s facility on Leopard Street. Sam Kane Beef Processor, which employs about 800 workers in Corpus Christi, slaughters cattle and processes beef for sale.

Serious violations include failing to ensure the safe and proper use of step ladders, to keep floor surfaces free of water to prevent slipping or sliding and to provide an adequate and timely emergency response plan for night shift workers.

A repeat citation was issued for failing to provide guardrails for work areas more than 4 feet above the ground. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years.

In March 2010, the company was cited for a similar violation with penalties of $2,250.

Sam Kane Beef Processor has 15 business days from receipt of citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Corpus Christi Area Office or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA