OSHA fines NaturPak over $360,000 for three hot kettle fatalities

OSHA has cited Wisconsin-based food products manufacturer IPMF LLC after two incidents involving industrial kettles releasing hot steam and liquid, causing three worker deaths and two serious injuries.

Investigators responded to the first incident on Feb. 12 at IPMF, operating as NaturPak. The incident involved the lid of an industrial kettle unexpectedly opening after a clogged vent line led to pressure building up, and then releasing steam, liquid, and organic material onto two employees nearby. One of the employees was also struck by an object and suffered a concussion. Both employees were hospitalized, and one later passed away because of complications from their injuries.

A month later, OSHA investigators responded to another incident involving multiple worker hospitalizations on March 18, when a kettle lid opened while under pressure releasing steam, hot liquid, and organic material, burning three workers. Two workers were fatally injured and another hospitalized.

Citations for fall protection, LOTO, training, PPE

OSHA issued the employer one serious citation for the design and usage of kettles leading to pressure and thermal burn hazards, a repeat citation for exposing workers to falls to lower levels, and an other-than-serious citation for failing to notify employees working adjacent to permit-required confined spaces.

OSHA also issued serious citations for exposing workers to thermal hazards without quick access to emergency water. The employer also received citations for exposing workers to falls into the kettles and for failure to assess PPE for thermal risks. In addition, OSHA issued repeat citations for failure to develop, document, and utilize lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures for the kettles and failure to train employees on LOTO procedures.

The agency issued citations with $115,850 in penalties related to the inspection opened on Feb. 12 and $248,250 in penalties for the inspection opened on March 18.

IPMF LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.