BEARDSTOWN, Ill. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. with three safety violations for failing to protect workers from unexpected start-up of machines at the company's Beardstown pork processing facility. Proposed penalties total $114,000.

A complaint alleging workplace hazards launched an OSHA investigation, according to the agency.

The company was cited with one willful violation for directing workers to perform maintenance and servicing on carbon dioxide equipment without first documenting lockout and tagout procedures designed to prevent unexpected energization.

CMS also received a citation for one repeat violation for failing to train workers who operate equipment on procedures to properly control hazardous energy. OSHA cited the company for a similar violation in May 2009 at the company's Nebraska City, Neb., facility.

Finally, OSHA cited the company with one serious violation for failing to document and certify periodic inspections of lockout procedures for an older model of carbon dioxide equipment.

"Cargill has a responsibility to provide training to workers about the hazards that exist in their facilities, and to respond to safety concerns expressed by workers," said Thomas Bielema, OSHA's area director in Peoria, Ill. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so."