The plant was found to have failed to train its workers on the importance of locking/tagging in maintenance activities.

According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, BEF Foods Inc., the food producer and distributor, does not go through the lockout/tagout program during routine maintenance of its machines.

The mistake resulted in a 39-year-old worker having his leg partially amputated.

According to a press release issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the worker found her arm caught in a working auger. The worker suffered multiple lacerations and had his arm partially amputated. Colleagues had to cut open the auger to free her arm.

In September 2020, an OSHa investigation found that BEF Foods failed to shut down and isolate the auger's energy during maintenance work. The company was also found to have failed to train staff on the use of lockout/tagout programs necessary for maintenance activities.

OSHA proposed a fine of $136,532 for two repeated violations of machine safety standards. Back in 2016, the factory had a similar standard offer.

"Machinery and equipment must be shut down to prevent accidental activation or release of dangerous energy before workers can perform repairs and maintenance," Kimberly Nelson, OSHA regional director from Toledo, Ohio, said in a press release. "OSHA has specific regulations to implement the necessary training and safety procedures to protect workers from dangerous machinery."

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