Tyson Foods Pleads Guilty in Worker Death at Ark. Plant

Arkansas-based Tyson Foods Inc. has pleaded guilty in federal court for willfully violating OSHA regulations that led to the tragic death of an employee at its River Valley Animal Foods (RVAF) plant in Texarkana.

The company, known for processing poultry products into animal feed, used high-pressure steam processors called hydrolyzers in the rendering process. These processors released toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, which workers were frequently exposed to.

Despite being aware of the danger and taking measures at three other facilities, Tyson failed to adequately protect employees at the Texarkana plant. This resulted in the death of maintenance employee Jason Kelley in 2003 after exposure to the gas.

Federal prosecutors have imposed a record $500,000 fine on Tyson for the most serious OSHA violation, which led to an employee’s death. The company will also serve one year of probation.

Assistant Attorney General Ronald J. Tenpas emphasized that federal laws require employers to protect workers from dangerous substances. ‘Tyson Foods willfully ignored these regulations and today is being held responsible,’ said Tenpas.

This case underscores the feds’ commitment to enforcing worker safety standards, as companies that risk employees’ lives will face prosecution. The investigation was a joint effort by the Department of Labor and the Justice Department’s Environmental Crimes Section.

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