An Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigation into the fatal fall of a contractor at a frozen food manufacturing plant identified a wide range of potentially fatal workplace hazards, leading to citations for 36 violations and a proposed $368,513 in penalties.

A contract worker for CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC  suffered fatal injuries in December 2021 from an 11-foot fall while using a scissor lift to replace a freezer drain. OSHA’s investigation found a damaged and inoperable snap hook on the lift’s safety chain and that the company did not inspect the lift before work began.

CJ TMI manufactures frozen dumpling, wontons and noodles for the Twin Marquis and Chef One brands.

“CJ TMI Manufacturing America LLC could have prevented this tragedy had it followed proper safety precautions,” said OSHA Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick in Marlton, New Jersey. “The company must address and correct a substantial number of hazardous conditions identified during our inspection so that nobody else has to risk their life.”

The subsequent OSHA investigation also found the company exposed employees and temporary workers to:

  • Amputation and laceration hazards from unguarded or inadequately guarded machinery.
  • Smoke inhalation hazards during food preparation as the emergency exit in the ingredient mix room was completely blocked.
  • Explosion hazards from accumulations of combustible flour dust on equipment, floors and surfaces throughout the plant.
  • Confined space hazards when entering a wastewater pit to service a water meter.
  • Hexavalent chromium hazards during welding operations.
  • Chemical burns from caustic chemicals due to inaccessible decontamination showers and eyewash stations.
  • Being struck by forklifts operated by untrained employees.
  • Numerous electric shock hazards.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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