A federal workplace safety investigation into a global manufacturer and distributor of pet products in Arlington has identified one willful violation and eight serious violations of required safety regulations. The investigation followed an incident in December 2023, where an employee suffered severe facial burns.

Inspectors from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that three workers at Doskocil Manufacturing Inc., operating as Petmate, were using a pry bar to break off excess plastic, known as drool, while cleaning a structural foam machine. During this process, an injection nozzle dislodged and sprayed molten plastic into the face of one worker, resulting in second- and third-degree burns.

“When proper safety processes and procedures are ignored, industrial workplaces can be dangerous and unforgiving for employees,” said OSHA Area Director Timothy Minor in Fort Worth, Texas. “Petmate’s failures to comply with federal safety regulations exposed its employees to serious dangers, resulting in one worker suffering severe injuries.”

OSHA investigators cited the company for failing to isolate energy sources to protect workers from serious injuries, develop safety procedures for safe cleaning and maintenance of machinery, ensure walkways and working areas are free of slipping hazards to prevent slips and falls, and provide eye protection for workers using structural foam machines.

The company faces $278,851 in proposed penalties.

Founded in 1959, the company is now owned by Platinum Equity, a global investment firm. Petmate manufactures and distributes various pet products under brands such as Chuckit!, Pet Qwerks, Healthy Chews, Gamma2, JW, La-Z-Boy among others.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply with OSHA's findings or contest them before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

###