Region 4 News Release: 11-1079-ATL (367)
July 28, 2011
Contact: Michael D'Aquino Michael Wald
Phone: 404-562-2076 404-562-2078
Email: d'aquino.michael@dol.gov wald.michael@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Decatur, Ga., bakery for unguarded
machinery, other violations after worker suffers finger laceration

DECATUR, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Earth Grains Baking Cos. Inc., doing business as Sara Lee on Panthersville Road in Decatur, for nine safety violations following a February investigation of an incident in which a worker's finger was severely lacerated while operating a bread slicing machine.

One repeat violation related to the injury was cited for exposing workers to hazards due to a lack of machine guarding on the bread slicer. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. The company was cited for a similar violation in May 2007 at a Wichita, Kan., facility.

Three serious violations involve not providing machine guarding for sprocket wheels and chains, not protecting shaft ends on the power transmission apparatus; and failing to conduct periodic inspections of the energy control procedures. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

Five other-than-serious violations involve not completing the OSHA 300A and 301 logs for recording injuries and illnesses. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

"This injury could have been prevented had the company followed proper machine guarding safety procedures," said Bill Fulcher, director of OSHA's Atlanta-East Area Office. "All employers have a responsibility to keep the workplace safe for their employees."

Proposed penalties total $51,800. The bakery has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The site was inspected by OSHA's Atlanta-East office, 2183 Northlake Parkway, Building 7, Suite 110, Tucker, Ga. 30084; telephone 770-493-6644. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

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 http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.