OSHA Cites Food Processing Plant After Worker Exposed to Ammonia Refrigerant
Inspectors found that about eight pounds of ammonia were released March 3, 2015
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Wichita Area Office announced that it has cited the food processing facility of Reser’s Fine Foods, Topeka, Kansas, for 13 serious safety and health violations. OSHA opened an investigation at the company after receiving a complaint about an ammonia refrigerant leak.
Ammonia is typically used in the refrigeration process in food production facilities. Inspectors found that about eight pounds of ammonia were released March 3, 2015, from a compressor seal leak at the facility. Emergency evacuation procedures were initiated. One employee was taken to a local medical facility for observation but was able to return to work later that day.