Workers cutting chicken fat, bone and cartilage eight hours a day at a Delaware poultry plant are suffering work-related musculoskeletal injuries, OSHA said.
OSHA cited Allen Harim Foods' Harbeson plant for exposing employees on the debone line to musculoskeletal disorder hazards by having workers perform prolonged, repetitive and forceful tasks without controls in place to prevent injuries.
"Musculoskeletal injuries caused by these hazards in poultry plants are too common," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "These types of injuries can be prevented by implementing appropriate engineering and administrative controls in the workplace, and when they occur, they must be treated early with appropriate medical care to prevent the illness from progressing."
OSHA also issued the company serious citations for not designating emergency exits properly and for not ensuring employees received training related to machinery that could unexpectedly start up during service and maintenance.
OSHA cited Allen Harim Foods for nine violations and proposed fines of $38,000.