U.S. Department of Labor safety inspectors have cited Keystone Foods, a distributor for Tyson Foods, for allegedly failing to protect employees from fire and explosion hazards at its poultry plant in Camilla, Georgia.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that on December 26, 2024, two workers at the plant were seriously burned when a hose filled with oil ruptured. This incident ignited the oil mist and led to a fire and explosion in the boiler room. Inspectors determined that Keystone Foods did not ensure workers followed proper internal procedures or the manufacturer’s guidelines during maintenance on its boiler pump.
OSHA issued Keystone Foods a citation for a serious violation under the OSH Act’s general duty clause and proposed penalties of $16,550.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For more information on developing workplace safety and health programs, visit OSHA’s website. Employers can also contact the agency for compliance assistance resources and free help on adhering to OSHA standards.
