OSHA Cites Wisconsin Animal Feed Plant for Serious Violations

In February 2024, OSHA inspectors visited Strauss Feeds LLC in Watertown, Wisconsin, and discovered serious safety violations, exposing workers to life-threatening hazards from airborne dust. Among these were the risks of explosions, fires, and long-term respiratory illnesses caused by excessive airborne dust, as well as a variety of other health and safety concerns. Strauss Feeds, a producer of milk replacer for calves and other young animals, was cited for 24 violations—19 of them classified as serious. OSHA’s findings highlight critical areas where companies need to improve workplace safety.

Dust Hazards and Workplace Safety

OSHA’s inspection found that Strauss Feeds failed to implement crucial safety measures, such as proper housekeeping and evaluating dust hazards, which are vital in preventing the accumulation of combustible dust. Without these precautions, employees are at risk of catastrophic explosions and fires that could endanger lives. Furthermore, excessive dust exposure can lead to long-term respiratory problems if proper protections are not in place.

To address these dangers, OSHA Area Director Chad Greenwood explained, “Unsafe levels of airborne dust can ignite suddenly, causing explosions and fires that jeopardize the safety of workers. Left unchecked, these same dust hazards can cause workers long-term health issues.” For industries generating significant dust, it is essential to implement robust engineering controls and respiratory protection programs to safeguard employee health.

Additional Hazards Discovered

Along with dust-related risks, OSHA found that Strauss Feeds did not have an adequate written respiratory protection program. The absence of medical evaluations, fit testing, and training left workers vulnerable to airborne contaminants. Further compounding the dangers, workers were exposed to risks associated with confined spaces, industrial trucks, and forklifts, which further increased the likelihood of explosions and fire hazards.

OSHA’s inspection led to citations totaling $161,332 in proposed penalties, urging businesses to prioritize worker safety before preventable incidents occur.

NATEC International’s Solutions for Workplace Dust Safety

Companies that deal with hazardous airborne dust must ensure their workers are protected. At NATEC International, Inc., we provide specialized training to help businesses comply with OSHA regulations and maintain a safe working environment.

• CAL-OSHA Silica Awareness Training: This course offers an awareness-level education on the dangers of silica dust and strategies to mitigate exposure.
• Respirator Medical Evaluation: Employers can ensure workers are medically evaluated and fit to use respirators as required by OSHA’s respiratory protection standards.
• CAL-OSHA N95 Respirator Training: This training covers the proper use of N95 respirators, ensuring workers are equipped to protect themselves from airborne particles.
• FED-OSHA N95 Respirator Training: A federal course designed to provide critical knowledge for the correct use of N95 respirators under OSHA guidelines.

Safety violations, like those discovered at Strauss Feeds, underscore the importance of proactive measures in preventing dust-related incidents. Let NATEC International help you create a safer work environment by training your team to recognize, manage, and mitigate dust hazards.

For more information, visit our website at NATEC International, Inc. or call us at (800) 969-3228.