The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has intensified inspections of food processing plants including meat facilities and presumably egg packing.  The Agency intends to “elevate worker safety through education, training and outreach.”

OSHA was less than productive during the COVID period and with apparent restraints imposed by the then Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. Under the Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su recently re-nominated for the position of Secretary, OSHA has become more involved in inspections.t and is issuing citations for deviations from accepted standards of protection of workers from injury.

In past years there have been a number of reports of injury in egg packing plants. Contributory factors include lack of training, using contract crews for cleaning, operating equipment without factory-supplied protection panels in place, failure to use lock-out procedures and neglect of cleanup of egg waste resulting in trips and falls.  Many of these shortcomings also apply to live bird production and feed mixing plants where untrained workers can be injured by mechanical and electrical installations.  In the event of an injury requiring hospitalization, OSHA will conduct an investigation frequently involving on-site inspection. Identification of hazards and deficiencies in training and installation of protective equipment and providing PPE including head covers, will result in citations and penalties.  Managers of egg production and packing facilities are strongly advised to review safety, if necessary with the advice of consultants.  Establishing safety committees is beneficial as this creates a culture of safety and workers are in a position to advise management of risks and problems that may not be readily apparent.