OSHA Cites Progressive Protein $15,675 Following Fatality

Aug. 6, 2009
OSHA cited Progressive Protein LLC of Omaha, Neb., for alleged safety and health violations following a fatal accident that occurred when an overturned forklift pinned an employee under the overheard protective cage.

“This worker’s family will be forever changed; there is no excuse for this accident,” said Charles Adkins, OSHA’s regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo. “It is imperative that employers eliminate hazards, provide a safe working environment for employees and prevent accidents from occurring.”

OSHA’s inspection found three alleged serious and one alleged other-than-serious violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The serious violations relate to a lack of proper training and inadequate supervision of powered, industrial-truck-operators-in-training and energy control procedures, as well as a lack of seat belt use.

The other-than-serious violation relates to inadequate injury recordkeeping. OSHA issues other-than-serious citations when the violation is directly related to safety and health but unlikely to cause death or serious physical harm.

OSHA is proposing $15,675 in penalties against the company. EHS Today reached a Progressive Protein employee who declined to comment on the citations.

Progressive Protein has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director in Omaha or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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