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OSHA cites food manufacturer after worker dies after 24foot fall
at the company's Jersey City warehouse
Investigation finds negligent forklift safety practices caused fatality
Employer name: Wei-Chuan U.S.A. Inc.
Inspection site: 80 Amity St., Jersey City, New Jersey
Citations issued: On June 22, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued citations to Wei-Chuan U.S.A. Inc. for one willful, one repeat and six serious violations.
Inspection findings: OSHA initiated an inspection on Dec. 27, 2015, after the Jersey City Police Department notified the agency of a worker's death at the company's Jersey City food distribution warehouse. Inspectors found a 60 year old warehouse supervisor died after falling 24 feet from a top tier warehouse rack. Inspectors learned the company knowingly allowed forklifts to elevate employees on pallets as they conducted inventory.
OSHA cited the company with a willful violation for its failure to use an approved platform for raising employees on forklifts, and failure to provide fall protection. Hazard communication training deficiencies resulted in the repeat citation, for which OSHA cited Wei-Chuan previously in February 2011. The agency found the serious violations were due to employees being allowed to improperly climb warehouse racks, lack of hand protection while handling hazardous materials, electrical hazards, hazard communication deficiencies and lack of forklift training.
Quote: "Wei-Chuan U.S.A. failed to provide required fall protection and ensure its forklift practices were safe, resulting in a
preventable fatality. This tragedy could have been prevented if the company used basic safeguards and properly trained its
employees to recognize workplace hazards," said Brian Flynn, acting director at OSHA's Parsippany Area Office.
Proposed penalties: $107,000
Courtesy of OSHA Quick Takes