OSHA cites Nebraska meatpacker over worker’s death

Published July 16, 2012 7:56pm ET



HASTINGS, Neb. (AP) — Federal regulators have proposed more than $195,000 in penalties for a Nebraska meatpacker over the death of an employee.

The U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration says it has cited Hastings Acquisition LLC, which operates as Nebraska Prime Group at its plant in Hastings.

OSHA says a worker got caught in a machine and was asphyxiated on Jan. 18. The agency says the machine didn’t have proper safety guarding installed.

The company can comply with OSHA orders regarding safety improvements, request an information conference with the area OSHA director or contest the findings before an independent commission.

A company spokesman declined to comment Monday.