OSHA Fines CO Meat Processor for Coronavirus Protection Failures

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued $15,615 in penalties to JBS's Colorado meat processing facility for failing to protect employees from COVID-19 virus exposure.
"OSHA guidance details proactive measures employers can take to protect workers from the coronavirus, such as social distancing measures and the use of physical barriers, face shields and face coverings when employees are unable to physically distance at least 6 feet from each other. Employers are also required to maintain injury and illness logs."

The company has 15 days to respond.

U.S. Department of Labor OSHA News Release
https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/region8/09112020
September 11, 2020
U.S. Department of Labor Cites JBS Foods Inc. for Failing To Protect Employees from Exposure to the Coronavirus

GREELEY, CO – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited JBS Foods Inc. in Greeley, Colorado, for failing to protect employees from exposure to the coronavirus. OSHA proposed $15,615 in penalties.

Based on a coronavirus-related inspection, OSHA cited the company – which operates as Swift Beef Company – for a violation of the general duty clause for failing to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious harm. The penalty assessed for the general duty clause violation is the maximum allowed by law. The company also failed to provide an authorized employee representative with injury and illness logs in a timely manner following OSHA’s May 2020 inspection.

"Employers need to take appropriate actions to protect their workers from the coronavirus," said OSHA Denver Area Director Amanda Kupper. "OSHA has meatpacking industry guidance and other resources to assist in worker protection."

OSHA guidance details proactive measures employers can take to protect workers from the coronavirus, such as social distancing measures and the use of physical barriers, face shields and face coverings when employees are unable to physically distance at least 6 feet from each other. Employers are also required to maintain injury and illness logs.

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

Employers with questions on compliance with OSHA standards should contact their local OSHA office for guidance and assistance at 800-321-OSHA (6742). OSHA’s coronavirus response webpage offers extensive resources for addressing safety and health hazards during the evolving coronavirus pandemic.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contact:

Megan Sweeney, 202-693-4661, sweeney.megan.p@dol.gov

Release Number: 20-1645-DEN