NAICS Code: 311999, All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing

The Dry Bacon Manufacturing plant at the Westin Packaged Meats facility in Fairbury, Nebraska, provides dry bacon products to a variety of customers nationwide. Westin Packaged Meats learned of OSHA On-site Consultation Program through the promotional efforts of Nebraska OSHA Consultation Program's Safety and Health consultants. In January 2016, the company contacted Nebraska Department of Labor, OSHA Consultation Program for assistance with hazard identification and improvement of its Safety Management Program.

OSHA's On-site Consultation Program is completely voluntary. The program's services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. The program offers free, confidential safety and health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country and several territories, with priority given to high-hazard worksites. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs. During a preliminary visit of the facility, the Nebraska consultants identified a damaged 110 volt outlet receptacle/knock out plug. As a result of the visit, they locked out the outlet receptacle and placed signage around the area; the identified hazard was immediately abated.

The company's participation in OSHA's Safety and Health Recognition Program (SHARP) has increased employees' involvement at the facility by empowering employees to seek and report potential hazards. Employees also make suggestions to plant managers for safety improvements at all levels of the organization. SHARP recognizes small business employers who have used OSHA's On-site Consultation Program services and operate an exemplary injury and illness prevention program.

Since increasing employees' involvement and management's commitment, the company has fostered a robust safety and health culture. Westin Packaged Meats has experienced zero injuries, cultivated a safer workplace, and brought employees together as a team to achieve its safety goal. The company and its employees are very proud of their effort to make their facility a safer work environment. Everyone gets to go home to their families the same way they came to work.

Additional information about OSHA's On-site Consultation Program and other small business resources is available at www.osha.gov or 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).