NASHVILLE, Ark. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued Tyson Foods a $70,000 fine in connection with a silo collapse last December that killed Johnny Needham, 48, at the company's Nashville, Ark., feed mill. OSHA’s investigation concluded that the silo, which contained tons of grain, was "structurally unsound."

Another silo at the site was later taken down by Tyson. Tyson has until June 22 to pay the OSHA fine or contest its finding.


“We’re saddened by the death of Johnny Needham as the result of a grain silo collapse at our Nashville, Ark., feed mill in December,” Tyson spokesman Worth Sparkman relayed to MEATPOULTRY.com. “Since that incident, Tyson Foods has cooperated fully with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s investigation.

“We recently received a citation regarding the incident,” he added. “We are continuing to work with OSHA and reviewing our options to reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Workplace safety is an important part of our company’s culture; we have at all times, and will continue to place the safety and health of our team members as a top priority in all of Tyson’s operations. Our efforts include safety policies and training, and the involvement of workers in our safety committees.”