Workers at a Purina feed mill were exposed to 6 – 10 foot falls from ladderway floor openings and platforms lacking guardrails, OSHA investigators found during an October 2015 inspection of the Wichita, Kansas facility.

They also discovered that the company failed to implement housekeeping procedures to prevent grain dust accumulation in priority and non-priority areas. In some areas, more than 5 inches of dust had accumulated, increasing the possibility of grain dust explosions.

Additionally, workers were exposed to dangerous sudden machine starts as the company failed to inspect and test energy control procedures annually as required.

Land O Lakes Purina Feed LLC, doing business as Purina Animal Nutrition, was issued for three serious, one repeat serious, and one repeat other than serious violations, with proposed penalties of $40,200.

OSHA offers a Stop Falls online resource with detailed information in English and Spanish on fall protection standards.