AUSTIN, TEXAS — Holmes Foods Inc., based in Nixon, Texas, faces proposed penalties of $60,269 and five violations following an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) investigation that alleged it exposed employees to ergonomic hazards.

After a scheduled inspection in March, OSHA said it found violations of federal workplace regulations when the poultry company did not provide required eye protection; did not develop a procedure to lockout and tagout machines to prevent sudden start-up; and failed to guard rotating shafts, chains and sprockets.

“The company must follow federal requirements to protect workers, including those whose work is essential to the region’s food supply,” said Monica Munoz, OSHA area director in Austin, Texas. “We will hold employers accountable when they fail to meet their legal obligations.”

The agency stated that Holmes violated OSHA’s General Duty Clause by exposing line workers to ergonomic hazards.

Holmes can request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission or comply within 15 business days.

Holmes Foods started in 1925 and is a family-owned operation that raises, processes, packages and distributes ready-to-cook poultry for foodservice and retail deli markets. The company employs about 500 people at its Nixon facility.