What Manufacturers Can Learn from Recent OSHA Citations in Alabama
Workplace safety violations can cost businesses far more than just fines—they can disrupt operations, harm employees, and damage reputations.
Recent news about Dean Sausage Co., a small meat processing facility in Attalla, Alabama, highlights how serious the consequences of neglecting safety can be.
What happened?
OSHA has repeatedly cited the company over the past three years for safety violations, including inadequate machine safety procedures, lack of employee training, and unsafe handling of hazardous chemicals.
These issues have resulted in more than $200,000 in penalties. Worse than the financial impact, these violations have put workers at risk of injuries that could have been prevented with proper procedures and training.
As a staffing agency that works closely with manufacturing and production companies, we know that safety challenges are common in industries like food manufacturing. But we also know they are preventable.
In this blog, we’ll share some lessons employers can take away from recent OSHA citations and how prioritizing workplace safety can protect your employees, your reputation, and your bottom line.
Lesson 1: Training Is Key to Preventing Accidents
One of the most common safety issues we see—and one of the easiest to fix—is a lack of proper training. At Dean Sausage Co., OSHA found that employees weren’t trained on critical safety procedures, such as lockout/tagout protocols (used to safely shut down machinery) and handling hazardous chemicals like ammonia. Without proper training, workers are left vulnerable to preventable injuries.
This isn’t unique to Dean Sausage. Many companies rush to get new hires on the floor without spending enough time on safety training. But skipping that step can lead to costly fines, operational disruptions, or worse—a serious injury.
What you can do:
Make safety training a priority: Every employee, from your longest-tenured workers to your newest hires, needs to know the safety protocols for their job.
Refresh regularly: Safety standards and procedures evolve, so regular refresher courses are essential.
Partner with experts: If you don’t have the resources to train your team internally, consider working with a staffing agency or safety consultant to fill the gap.
Lesson 2: Fixing Repeat Violations Saves Money and Lives
One of the most concerning aspects of the Dean Sausage case is that OSHA found repeat violations—issues that had already been flagged in previous inspections. This resulted in even higher fines, as OSHA penalizes companies more harshly when they fail to address recurring problems.
For small and mid-sized businesses, these fines can add up quickly. But beyond the financial impact, ignoring safety hazards sends a message to employees that their well-being isn’t a priority. That can hurt morale and increase turnover—two things no business can afford.
What you can do:
Act quickly: If an issue is identified during an inspection (or internally), address it immediately to prevent it from escalating.
Conduct regular audits: Don’t wait for OSHA to catch problems. Proactively identifying and fixing hazards can save you money and headaches down the line.
Document your efforts: Keep detailed records of the steps you’ve taken to address safety concerns. This shows OSHA—and your employees—that you’re committed to creating a safe workplace.
Lesson 3: Safety Is a Smart Investment
We understand that running a manufacturing or food production facility is demanding, and safety can sometimes feel like just another item on an already long to-do list. But the truth is, investing in safety is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your business.
While safety initiatives may require upfront investment, the return on that investment is significant. Preventing workplace accidents not only reduces the risk of fines and penalties but also protects your most valuable asset—your employees. Safer workplaces lead to fewer injuries, lower insurance premiums, less downtime, and improved employee retention. It also shows customers, investors, and the public that you take your responsibility for safety seriously.
What you can do:
Prioritize safety in budgeting: Allocate resources to safety equipment, training programs, and regular inspections.
Focus on employee wellness: Ensure that safety programs extend beyond compliance to focus on creating a culture of well-being.
Measure the impact: Track the results of your safety investments—fewer injuries, less absenteeism, and a safer work environment—and use these metrics to further improve your programs.
Lesson 4: Small Businesses Must Meet Big Safety Standards
Dean Sausage Co. is a small business with fewer than 100 employees, yet it still faces significant penalties for safety violations. This case underscores an important point: OSHA holds all businesses accountable, regardless of their size.
Small businesses often assume that they’re exempt from stringent regulations or that their size will protect them from major fines. However, this is a dangerous misconception. OSHA holds companies of all sizes to the same standards, and noncompliance can result in costly citations and serious harm to employees.
What you can do:
Understand your obligations: No matter your business size, it’s crucial to understand and comply with OSHA’s safety standards. Make sure you’re up-to-date on the regulations specific to your industry.
Seek external help if needed: If you’re not equipped to manage safety internally, consider partnering with a staffing agency or consultant that specializes in compliance and safety management.
Invest in safety from the start: Ensure that safety is embedded in your operations from day one. It’s far easier to establish safe practices early on than to undo bad habits later.
Lesson 5: Learn from Industry Trends to Stay Ahead
The recent violations at Dean Sausage Co. are part of a broader trend that OSHA tracks annually. In 2024, common citations included lockout/tagout failures, fall protection, machine guarding, and hazard communication. Recognizing these trends can help employers stay ahead of potential issues in their own workplaces.
By reviewing the most-cited violations across industries, employers can proactively address areas where they might be at risk. This can prevent costly penalties and, more importantly, protect the health and safety of workers.
What you can do:
Stay informed on industry trends: Regularly review OSHA’s most-cited violations and identify any that may apply to your business.
Adjust your safety programs accordingly: If you notice recurring violations in your industry, update your procedures, equipment, and training to address these risks.
Join industry groups: Participate in safety-focused networks or associations where you can learn from peers and industry experts about best practices and safety trends.
A Final Word: Prioritize Safety for Long-Term Success
At Intuition Career, we understand the challenges of maintaining a safe and compliant workplace. We’re here to help you find skilled, safety-conscious workers and develop safety programs that meet your company’s specific needs.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your safety and staffing efforts. Together, we can protect your employees, your business, and your future.
