Feed Facility Fined for Grain Dust Explosion HazardsFeed Facility Fined for Grain Dust Explosion Hazards

Animal health and nutrition products firm Furst-McNess was issued several citations and a fine of $148,431 by the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for exposing workers at its Lodi, WI feed facility to potential grain dust explosions and other hazards. 

OSHA investigators determined that Furst-McNess did not implement a housekeeping program to control and remove accumulations of combustible dust that occurred during grain storage and animal feed manufacturing. Furst-McNass also was cited for failing to maintain grain processing equipment. 

The company received citations for one willful and two serious violations. 

“OSHA standards require that grain dust and ignition sources be controlled to protect workers from potentially catastrophic explosions,” said OSHA Madison Area Office Director Chad Greenwood said in a statement. 

Furst-McNess has 15 business days after receiving the citations to comply, challenge the findings before an independent panel, or request an informal conference with an OSHA area director.