December 12, 2019

U.S. Department of Labor Reaches Settlement with Global Meat Supplier
Following Safety and Health Citations at New Jersey Facility

SWEDESBORO, NJ – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has reached a settlement with Thomas Foods International after issuing citations for workplace safety and health violations at the company’s meat processing facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey. As part of the settlement, Thomas Foods International will pay $213,000 in penalties for violations involving noise and bloodborne pathogens hazards, and ineffective machine guarding following a May 2019 investigation initiated as part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting program.

Under the terms of the settlement, Thomas Foods International will hold monthly meetings with an in-house safety and health committee for a minimum of one year, develop a safety checklist to ensure proper use of equipment, and develop and implement a written safety and health program. The employer will also ensure management attend a 30-hour OSHA safety course, and utilize consultation services to conduct at least one audit of the workplace.

“Employers are legally responsible for complying with workplace health and safety requirements, and ensuring workers’ safety and health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

“This settlement confirms that Thomas Foods will correct the violations identified during the investigation to prevent employee exposure to serious injuries and disabilities,” said OSHA Marlton Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick.

OSHA has resources on protecting workers from hearing loss, amputations, and bloodborne pathogens hazards.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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Media Contacts:

Joanna Hawkins, 215-861-5101, hawkins.joanna@dol.gov
Leni Fortson, 215-861-5102, uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Release Number:  19-1885-NEW (osha 19-72)

U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The Department’s Reasonable Accommodation Resource Center converts departmental information and documents into alternative formats, which include Braille and large print. For alternative format requests, please contact the Department at (202) 693-7828 (voice) or (800) 877-8339 (federal relay).