Occupational Safety and Health Simplified for the Food Manufacturing Industry

Book excerpt: The success of any food manufacturer's safety program depends on how accurately a facility interprets the laws and how it handles the hazards that workers face on a daily basis. This new 'go to' resource provides industry managers, safety directors, and workers with straightforward answers to complicated OSHA questions. Referencing FDA, USDA, and other regulatory standards as applicable, Occupational Safety and Health Simplified for the Food Manufacturing Industry explains the requirements of the twelve major Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards in Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 29 Chapter 1910 (general industry) and Chapter 1928 (agriculture) for food worker safety and provides examples to help ensure compliance with all applicable standards. Readers will examine the most serious health hazards in the industry, including inhalation of flavorings, radiation, and amputations, and identify ways to prevent accidents from occurring. They will address both industry-wide safety concerns and segment-specific hazards for meatpacking, poultry processing, fruit and vegetable canning, and food flavoring, and find information to help them overcome the language and cultural barriers of the food industry's growing Hispanic workforce to ensure adequate protection for all. A complete sample food manufacturing safety program that meets OSHA requirements and a comprehensive checklist for completing self-audits are included.