"Postville Company Cited for 39 Health & Safety Violations, $182,000 Fine Proposed"

DES MOINES - The Iowa Division of Labor Services has proposed citations and penalties against a Postville employer for alleged multiple violations of state workplace safety and health standards. Agriprocessors, Inc. has been issued 39 citations with proposed penalties of $182,000.

“Protecting the health and safety of Iowa’s workforce is paramount to developing a productive workforce,” stated Iowa Labor Commissioner David Neil. “Workers that are injured because of failed health and safety measures create an economic burden for their community.”

The Iowa Division of Labor initiated a safety inspection on October 31, 2007 at the Postville operation. Twenty-six citations were issued, including two repeat violations related to lockout tagout procedures. On February 11, 2008, a health inspection was initiated that identified thirteen serious health violations. Citations were issued for multiple violations surrounding hazardous chemicals and emergency response issues including a lack of proper labeling on hazardous chemicals, lack of an emergency alarm that can be heard by all employees, failure to develop an emergency response plan and improper programs for both respirator use and bloodborne pathogen issues.

Agriprocessors, Inc. will have fifteen days to formally respond to the citations and proposed fines.