Concord, N.H.-The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is imposing $214,500 in fines against High Liner Foods Inc. for 17 violations of workplace health and safety requirements at the company’s Portsmouth, N.H., seafood processing plant. OSHA says the citations are mainly for failure to address deficiencies in the seafood plant’s refrigeration piping system. The system was found in inspections to be corroded and encased in ice in many locations, with previously identified deficiencies still uncorrected. “Failing to inspect and test the ammonia piping system and take corrective action exposes workers to the possibility of an ammonia leak or similar severe or catastrophic incident,” declared Rosemarie Obar, OSHA New Hampshire director. “For the health and safety of their workers, employers must proactively assess and address hazards associated with processes and equipment that use large amounts of ammonia or other hazardous chemicals.” OSHA also determined that the plant failed to label and identify piping systems, remove frost and ice accumulations from piping, properly locate relief valves, ensure that the main ammonia shutoff valve was accessible, ensure that an exit door opened to the outside, conduct compliance audits, inspect and test the mechanical integrity of process equipment, provide workers with hand protection, and make process safety information available. These conditions resulted in nine serious citations, with $44,500 in fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the employer knew or should have known. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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