Agriprocessors of Postville is facing more citations for workplace safety violations. Kerry Koonce, a spokesperson for the Iowa Division of Labor, says the 31 citations stem from an inspection on July 8th.
Koonce says six of the violations are repeat offenses and 29 are considered serious violations. The accusations follow similar safety violations filed against the kosher meatpacking company earlier this year.
"We’re talking about things like work platforms that are more than four feet above the ground that do not have safety railings to protect from falls, doorways that are not properly marked, compressed gas cylinders that are not stored properly – which creates an explosion hazard, respirators for hazardous chemicals not be used correctly and rotating equipment, such as saws, not adequately guarded," Koonce said.
The Iowa Division of Labor Services today proposed fines for the Postville plant of $101,000. The company has 15 days to respond to the allegations. Earlier this month, Agriprocessors was accused of hiring at least 57 underage employees. In May, the plant was the site of the largest immigration raid in U.S. history.
