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Tyson Foods fined $236,000 for multiple workplace violations

The nation's largest meat and poultry processor is under fire after more than a dozen workplace violations and several repeat offenses.

Tyson Foods Plant in Center, Texas is being fined $236,000 for two repeated violations and 15 serious violations. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a serious violation exists when the hazard can cause an accident or illness and would likely cause death.

One gruesome violation detailed an unnamed man getting his finger amputated. He was working in the deboning area of the plant when he attempted to unjam chicken parts from the conveyor belt.

OSHA cited the company for repeated violations, like not making sure employees used appropriate eye and face protection. Employees were also exposed to trip-and-fall hazards resulting from a lack of proper drainage.

The inspection revealed high levels of carbon dioxide.

The company also failed to separate its gas cylinders of oxygen and acetylene while in storage - a repeat violation from 2013 in Tyson's Albertville, Ala. plant, according to a press release.

In a statement to CBS19, Tyson spokesperson Gary Mickelson said, "We never want to see anyone hurt on the job, which is why we’re committed to continual improvement in our workplace safety efforts."

He said Tyson is working diligently with OSHA to resolve the issues.

Dr. David Michaels, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA, gave CBS19 this statement:

Tyson Foods must do much more to prevent disfiguring injuries like this one from happening. As one of the nation’s largest food suppliers, it should set an example for workplace safety rather than drawing multiple citations from OSHA for ongoing safety failures.

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