OSHA proposes over $1 million fine on Taylor Fresh Foods

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently cited a fresh-cut vegetable processing company for willfully and repeatedly violating safety requirements after a worker was killed while cleaning and sanitizing a machine.

In May 2025, OSHA initiated an inspection into Taylor Farms New Jersey Inc. after being notified of the fatality at its processing facility in Swedesboro, New Jersey.

Since 2015, OSHA published six investigations into Taylor Farms’ Swedesboro, New Jersey facility. These investigations included multiple fingertip amputations involving both food slicers and unguarded conveyors/turntables.

19 safety violations cited across two companies

Inspectors determined Taylor Farms, a subsidiary of Taylor Fresh Foods Inc., failed to implement proper lockout/tagout procedures to protect workers from severe injuries during sanitation activities.

OSHA cited Taylor Farms for 16 safety violations related to the lack of lockout/tagout procedures, as well as failure to implement lockout/tagout requirements or provide training, and proposed penalties totaling $1,125,484.

Additionally, PL Solutions Group LLC, operating as People Logistics, an onsite temporary employment agency at the facility, was cited for three serious violations with proposed penalties of $33,100 for not implementing or training workers on lockout/tagout procedures.

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 (OSHRC). Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process.

Safety resources to prevent amputations

OSHA provides guidance for organizations on proper program setup, training, and procedures for both lockout/tagout and machine guarding.

• Hazardous energy control guidelines describe proper lockout/tagout practices and procedures that can safeguard workers from hazardous energy releases, including a fact sheet.
• Machine guarding guidelines provide information on the various hazards of mechanical motion and techniques for protecting workers, including a Quick Card on amputation protection.

Following the incident at Taylor Farms, OSHA updated its National Emphasis Program (NEP) to identify and reduce or eliminate amputation hazards in manufacturing industries.