OSHA Follow-up Inspection Finds Birdsboro Kosher Farms Corp. Still Violating Safety Standards
After a follow-up inspection that began in December 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Birdsboro Kosher Farms Corp. for failing to correct previously cited serious safety violations found at the kosher poultry processing facility in Birdsboro. Following the inspection, the company faces $59,400 in proposed penalties.
"The safety of all workers, including vulnerable, non-English speaking Latinos employed at the Birdsboro facility, continues to be jeopardized by this company's repeated failure to correct these hazards," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office. "It is imperative that this employer complete the necessary actions to address these unsafe conditions to ensure a safe and healthy workplace."
OSHA's inspection found four repeat, three serious and one other-than-serious safety violation. The repeat violations involve the company's failure to guard live electrical parts and provide personal protective equipment for the eyes and face for employees exposed to electrical hazards. The repeat violations carry a $39,600 penalty. A repeat violation is issued 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.
In 2012, OSHA conducted previous inspections at the site when it operated under the name of MVP Kosher Foods LLC and issued 15 serious, two repeat, and four other-than-serious violations with fines totaling $140,000. Birdsboro Kosher Farms Corp. was formed in late 2012, and is a successor company to MVP Kosher Foods LLC.
Birdsboro Kosher Farms Corp. has 15 working days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director in Harrisburg, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
