LODI, WISCONSIN, US — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the US Department of Labor has cited Furst-McNess Corp.’s Lodi, Wisconsin, US facility for exposing employees to potential grain dust explosions and other hazards at its feed mill.

According to OSHA, Furst-McNess Corp. failed to implement a housekeeping program to control and remove combustible dust accumulations that occur during storage of grain materials and manufacturing of animal feed. OSHA also cited the company for failing to maintain grain-processing equipment.

OSHA cited the company for one willful and two serious violations. Furst McNess faces $148,431 in penalties.

“OSHA standards require that grain dust and ignition sources be controlled to protect workers from potentially catastrophic explosions,” said Chad Greenwood, Madison area office director for OSHA.

Furst-McNess Corp. has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.