Denver — A worker at a Denver milk packaging plant operated by Safeway Inc. lost four fingers while operating a forming machine that lacked the necessary protection measures.

       The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigated the incident on February 12 and listed two deliberate violations and five serious violations of the American supermarket chain, as well as one non-serious violation:

       "Safeway Inc. knew that its equipment lacked protective measures, but the company chose to continue working without considering worker safety," said Amanda Kupper, OSHA regional director in Denver. "This indifference caused a worker to suffer serious permanent injuries."

       Safeway operates under the banner of Albertsons Companies, which has 20 well-known company-name stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia.

       After receiving the subpoena and penalty, the company has 15 working days to comply with the regulations, requiring informal meetings with OSHA’s regional directors, or objecting to the findings of the investigation in front of an independent occupational safety and health review committee.