OSHA Inspection: CARGILL MEAT SOLUTIONS CORPORATION

Issued

Apr 19, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):     The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were required to perform tasks involving ergonomic risk factors including, but not limited to excessive force or exertion, repetitive motions, awkward postures, and vibration for prolonged periods of time resulting in stressors that had caused, were causing, or were likely to cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as but not limited to  trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, and shoulder sprain.      (a)  Whizard knife operators performing meat processing operations in the fabrication department are exposing employees to the hazard of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) while performing repetitive, forceful tasks in awkward postures for extended periods of time.  Job tasks include, but are not limited to, grasping, lifting, and positioning to remove the meat from the cattle bones.  Employees have experienced injuries including surgeries associated with these tasks.