Senator Warnock remains committed to protecting the safety and dignity of workers across Georgia

Senator Warnock: “This OSHA investigation will help to ensure other workers in northeast Georgia—and across the state—can feel safe doing their jobs”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) issued the statement below regarding recent financial penalties announced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) against the parties responsible for the fatal nitrogen leak at a poultry processing plant in Gainesville that left six workers dead, 12 injured, and 130 forced into evacuation on January 28, 2021. A report released by OSHA also made clear that the deaths and injuries were preventable.

“No amount of money or penalties will bring back those lives tragically lost on January 28th. We must ensure that Georgia workers are not put in danger again. This OSHA investigation will help to ensure other workers in northeast Georgia—and across the state—can feel safe doing their jobs,” said Senator Warnock. “As a voice for Georgia in the Senate, I remain committed to protecting the dignity of Georgia workers and ensuring that hardworking Georgia families can count on safe working conditions.”

In April, Senator Warnock sent a letter to OSHA urging Acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor, James Frederick, to provide an update on the investigation of the poultry plant leak to hold responsible parties accountable, prevent further incidents, and protect essential workers from unsafe working conditions. Additionally, in early May, Senator Warnock met with the families of some of the victims. Senator Warnock remains committed to protecting the dignity of work and workers, and preventing similar deaths.

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