Madison ice cream plant cited for violating multiple safety standards after federal investigators respond to report of ammonia release

Summary:

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigated AJLS Enterprises Inc., operating as Schoep's Ice Cream, in Madison, Wisconsin, after a report of worker exposure to anhydrous ammonia. OSHA found that the plant lacked sufficient process safety management procedures, including documentation of equipment operation, updating processes after audits, and responding to changes in the process. As a result, OSHA issued 12 serious citations and proposed $145,097 in penalties. The agency also identified multiple safety and health violations, including lack of lockout/tagout procedures, machine guarding, and training. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference, or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.