Cal/OSHA Cited Foster Farms and Staffing Agencies for COVID-19 Violations at its Livingston Facility
Oakland—Cal/OSHA has cited Foster Poultry Farms, Inc. in Livingston (Foster Farms) and four staffing agencies for not protecting workers from COVID-19.
Cal/OSHA opened its inspection after receiving notification that an employee had died from COVID-19 complications, and subsequently determined that Foster Farms and one of its staffing agencies did not timely report the COVID-19 fatality as required.
Cal/OSHA also opened a separate inspection at the facility’s distribution center. Foster Farms utilized employees from the following staffing agencies that were also cited for COVID-19 violations as noted in the chart below:
| Employer Name | Industry | Worksite Location | Proposed Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
Foster Poultry Farms, Inc. (Poultry Plant) |
Food Processing | Livingston | $103,100 |
| Foster Poultry Farms, Inc. (Distribution Center) | Food Logistics | $78,400 | |
| Human Bees, Inc., DBA Human Bees | Staffing | $41,000 | |
| Marcos Renteria Ag Services, Inc. | Staffing | $36,000 | |
| Intermountain Employment Services, DBA Ascend Staffing | Staffing | $18,000 | |
Staffing Solutions Inc. DBA Balance Staffing |
Staffing | $16,200 |
Cal/OSHA cited Foster Farms $103,100, for five serious, one repeat regulatory, and two regulatory violations at its Livingston plant; and $78,400 for three serious, one repeat regulatory, and two regulatory violations at the distribution center. Regulatory violations were issued in both Foster Farms inspections and to Human Bees, Inc. for their failure to timely report work-related fatalities. Additionally, Cal/OSHA issued serious violations related to their Injury and Illness Prevention Programs many of which stemmed from failing to properly communicate, assess, correct, and train on COVID-19 workplace hazards. The third serious violation at the plant was cited for a blocked eyewash station.
A full list of employers cited for COVID-19 violations is posted on Cal/OSHA’s website.
To assist employers with understanding their requirements to protect workers from COVID-19, Cal/OSHA has created guidance and resources. This includes a model written COVID-19 Prevention Program, COVID-19 information page and free webinars for certain industries from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services.
Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.
Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).
Contact: Erika Monterroza / Lucas Brown, Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161.