Peanut Processor Facing $309K in OSHA Penalties

Thursday, September 20, 2018 | 0

A Georgia peanut processor faces $309,505 in penalties after it flunked a re-inspection by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA cited Great Southern Peanut LLC for failing to develop and implement procedures for confined space entry; train employees on confined space hazards; reduce compressed air to the required level; and meet record-keeping requirements.

The company was also placed in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

“This employer failed to adhere to the terms of a formal agreement to correct workplace hazards identified in a previous inspection, continuing to put employees at risk of serious injury,” stated OSHA Savannah Area Office Director Margo Westmoreland.

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