For Immediate Release: August 22, 2008
Contact: Kerry Koonce: (515) 281-9646
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Postville Company Cited for 31 Safety Violations,
$101,000 Fine Proposed
DES MOINES - The Iowa Division of Labor Services has proposed citations and penalties against a Postville employer for alleged multiple new and repeat violations of state workplace safety standards. Agriprocessors, Inc. has been issued 31 citations with proposed penalties of $101,000.
“Iowa workers deserve a healthy and safe workplace, and continued new and repeat violations by the same company creates a negative view of Iowa employers,” indicated Iowa Labor Commissioner David Neil.
The Iowa Division of Labor initiated a follow-up safety inspection on July 8, 2008 at the Postville operation. Thirty-one citations were issued, including twenty-one serious and six repeat violations. Serious violations included failures to provide safety railings on raised work platforms, failure to properly store compressed gas cylinders, improper use of temporary wiring and failure to properly guard moving equipment.
Agriprocessors, Inc. will have fifteen days to formally respond to the citations and proposed fines.
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