OSHA Inspection: SMITHFIELD PACKAGED MEATS CORP.

Issued

Nov 4, 2024

Abate by

Dec 6, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $10,486 Reduced

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:  (a)Smithfield Packaged Meat Corps. at 1400 North Weber Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57103: On or about and at times prior to August 19, 2024, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from thermal burn hazards when performing work within walk-in steam ovens, referred to as smokehouses, in the event of entrapment.  An employee performing work inside Smokehouse #18 became entrapped after the doors were closed and sealed. The smokehouse was then started, introducing steam into the oven. The employee suffered severe burns to their arms, back, and face after being exposed to steam in a smokehouse.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to control this hazard is to comply with the National Fire Protection Association 86 Standard for Ovens and Furnaces 2023 Edition Chapter 7 Commissioning, Operations, Maintenance, Inspection and Testing; Training Section 7.2 Training, Operations Section 7.3.5 and Operations Section 7.4.3.