OSHA proposes fine for Hanover Foods subsidiary amid safety concerns

George Stockburger
·1 min read

(WHTM) – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Aunt Kitty’s Food Inc., a subsidiary of the York County-based Hanover Foods, for multiple safety violations.

The Vineland, New Jersey facility allegedly “allowed workers to service and clean equipment without having procedures in place to stop machinery from starting unexpectedly,” according to OSHA.

The Department of Labor’s inspection of the New Jersey facility found seven safety violations in September and OSHA determined Aunt Kitty’s Food Inc. “violated federal safety laws” by failing to:

  • Develop and follow a lockout/tagout program and written procedures for maintenance and sanitation staff that worked on and cleaned production equipment in the canning and filling department.

  • Keep work floor in a clean and dry condition after food waste and water leaked onto the floor.

  • Provide proper guarding on a conveyor system.

  • Train workers on lockout/tagout procedures.

  • Conduct annual lockout/tagout audits on machines.

  • Provide baseline and annual audiograms

The proposed fine is $463,224.

“Ensuring lockout/tagout procedures are established and used can make the difference between an employee ending a shift safely and suffering a serious, life-altering injury,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick, in Marlton, New Jersey. “Our investigation found Aunt Kitty’s Food failed to provide a safe and healthful workplace and we will hold them legally accountable.”

The Vineland facility manufactures canned goods such as soups, sauces, pasta, vegetables, and gravy.

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