Egg processor fined for unsafe conditions
One million dollars in fines has been assessed against AgriGeneral Company of Croton, OH, a major egg producer accused of forcing workers to live and work in grossly unsafe conditions.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected the site after a referral from the Ohio State Department of Health, which was concerned about the safety and health conditions on the farm. AgriGeneral produces, processes, and distributes eggs at its 7,000-acre Croton facility, which has 310 employees. About 4.5 million eggs are produced daily by the 10 million chickens on the farm. The president of the company, Doucas Goranites, previously was president of DeCoster Egg Farms, the subject of another prominent enforcement action by OSHA in recent months.
OSHA cited deficiencies that exposed workers to falls, unguarded machinery, high levels of ammonia, and organic dust. Other citations in the long list related to a lack of exits, failure to train employees in lockout/tagout procedures, and failure to train employees about hazardous chemicals. In the migrant housing provided by the company, inspectors found raw sewage as much as an inch deep, drinking water contaminated with coliform bacteria, and many other problems. AgriGeneral can contest the amount of the fine.
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content