US Department of Labor settles with Thomas Foods following citations at New Jersey Facility

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said Thomas Foods International’s will pay $213,000 in penalties for violations involving noise and bloodborne pathogens hazards, and ineffective machine guarding at its Swedesboro facility following a May 2019 investigation initiated as part of OSHA’s Site-Specific Targeting program.

Under the terms of the settlement, Thomas Foods will hold monthly meetings with an in-house safety and health committee for a minimum of one year, develop a safety checklist to ensure proper use of equipment, and develop and implement a written safety and health program.

The employer will also ensure management attend a 30-hour OSHA safety course, and utilize consultation services to conduct at least one audit of the workplace.

“Employers are legally responsible for complying with workplace health and safety requirements, and ensuring workers’ safety and health,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt.

“This settlement confirms that Thomas Foods will correct the violations identified during the investigation to prevent employee exposure to serious injuries and disabilities,” said OSHA Marlton Area Director Paula Dixon-Roderick.