SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp. has paid out a $10,486 penalty after an employee was seriously burned after becoming trapped in an oven in August of 2024.
According to the OSHA report, an informal settlement was issued in late 2024.
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The violation details state Smithfield “did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.”
On August 19, 2024, and at prior times, it was stated that Smithfield did not ensure employees were protected from thermal burn hazards when performing work within walk-in steam ovens, referred to as smokehouses.
“An employee performing work inside Smokehouse #18 became entrapped after the doors were closed and sealed. The smokehouse was then started, introducing steam into the oven. The employee suffered severe burns to their arms, back, and face after being exposed to steam in a smokehouse,” reads the citation.
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KELOLAND News has reached out to Smithfield for comment on the settlement and to inquire about their actions to protect employees after the incident, and the wellbeing of the employee.
In August 2024, a Smithfield spokesman confirmed to KELOLAND News an employee was injured.
