WASHINGTON – The Occupations Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. for one repeated and one serious safety violation after an employee suffered an amputated finger. Proposed penalties total $77,000.

The incident occurred at a Pilgrim’s plant in Russellville, Alabama. The 53-year-old machine operator was trying to reassemble a chicken-part separating machine when the machine suddenly started and amputated the middle finger on his left hand up to the first joint, OSHA reported.

Pilgrim’s received citations for failing to develop, document and train workers on specific procedures to prevent machinery from unexpectedly starting up during maintenance and servicing, the agency said. Pilgrim’s previously was cited for this violation in 2010 at the Russellville location.

Additionally, OSHA cited Pilgrim’s for a serious safety violation relating to the company improperly splicing electrical cords.