In February 2024, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation on Strauss Feeds LLC, an animal feed manufacturer based in Watertown, Wisconsin. This investigation, prompted by reports of unsafe working conditions, revealed significant workplace safety hazards that put employees at risk. As a result, OSHA issued multiple citations and imposed penalties on the company, highlighting the need for immediate corrective action.
Incident Details
The OSHA inspection uncovered various safety issues at Strauss Feeds LLC, particularly related to dust hazards and respiratory risks. OSHA cited the company for 19 “serious” violations and five “other-than-serious” violations, leading to proposed penalties totaling $161,332. The violations stem from inadequate housekeeping practices, a failure to evaluate spaces for dust-related hazards, and a lack of engineering controls to manage combustible and airborne dust.
These conditions created a serious risk of explosion and fire, potentially endangering the plant’s workers. In addition to these hazards, OSHA found that Strauss Feeds had not developed a proper respiratory protection program, further increasing the health risks faced by employees due to inhalation of harmful dust particles.
OSHA’s Actions
In response to these findings, OSHA gave Strauss Feeds 15 business days to either contest the citations and proposed penalties or comply by addressing the violations. The company is now faced with the task of implementing necessary safety measures to prevent future accidents from occurring and protect its workforce from hazardous conditions.
Violations Identified
Among the key violations identified by OSHA are the following:
- Poor housekeeping practices that led to an accumulation of combustible dust.
- Failure to assess work areas for dust-related hazards.
- Lack of engineering controls to minimize dust buildup and exposure.
- Absence of a written respiratory protection program, endangering employees exposed to airborne contaminants.
These issues, left unaddressed, significantly increase the likelihood of fire, explosion, and respiratory illnesses, emphasizing the importance of workplace safety and compliance with OSHA standards.
Protect Your Business With GMS
The safety violations at Strauss Feeds LLC serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate workplace safety measures. Companies can proactively mitigate risks and ensure compliance by partnering with a professional employer organization (PEO) like Group Management Services (GMS). A PEO provides expert assistance in developing comprehensive safety programs tailored to each organizations unique needs, allowing businesses to protect their workers and avoid costly fines and citations from OSHA.
Investing in workplace safety is essential to creating a healthy and productive workforce. Let GMS help safeguard your business and create a culture of safety that prevents accidents before they occur. Reach out to our safety experts today!