AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) deemed FPL Food LLC’s safety and health management plan ineffective after a worker suffered a lacerated abdomen as he cut meat, the agency reported. The company is facing $67,270 in proposed penalties as a result of the worker’s injury. FPL Food is a ground beef processor specializing in the foodservice and retail segments.

OSHA initiated an investigation after a 36-year-old saw operator was hospitalized for his injury. The agency found that the saw’s cut-off switches were not functioning properly. OSHA cited FPL for exposing workers to falls on platforms without rails; electric shock hazards from improper wiring; and amputation hazards from unguarded cutting blades.

The company also failed to provide a fully functioning eyewash station for workers responsible for repairing leaking batteries, the agency said. Finally, OSHA cited FPL for failure to train workers on specific procedures to prevent machinery from starting up during maintenance and servicing.