Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, DOL NEWS—Following fatalities, OSHA finds Wisconsin food manufacturer repeatedly exposed workers to safety hazards, (Aug 24, 2026)

By WK Editorial Staff

Several workers were seriously injured and three were killed when pressure build-up led to an industrial kettle spewing steam, liquid, and organic materials.

Late last week, OSHA announced it had issued several citations to a Wisconsin-based food products manufacturer after two incidents involving industrial kettles releasing hot steam and liquid, which resulted in three worker deaths and two serious injuries.

Repeated incidents. Investigators responded to an incident on February 12, 2026, at IPMF LLC, operating as NaturPak, in which an industrial kettle lid unexpectedly opened as the result of pressure build-up from a clogged vent line. It released steam, liquid, and organic material onto two employees nearby. One of the workers was also suffered a concussion as the result of being struck by an object during the incident. Both employees were hospitalized, and one later died.

A month later, OSHA investigators responded to another incident involving multiple worker hospitalizations, after a similar incident burned three workers, killing two of them and hospitalizing the third.

Citations. OSHA issued the employer one serious citation for the design and usage of kettles leading to pressure and thermal burn hazards; a repeat citation for exposing workers to falls to lower levels; and an other-than-serious citation for failing to notify employees working adjacent to permit-required confined spaces.

It also issued serious citations for exposing workers to thermal hazards without quick access to emergency water. Additionally, the employer was cited for exposing workers to falls into the kettles and for failure to assess personal protective equipment for thermal risks.

Furthermore, OSHA issued repeat citations for failure to develop, document, and utilize lockout/tagout procedures for the kettles and failure to train employees on lockout/tagout procedures.

The agency issued citations with $115,850 in penalties related to the inspection opened on in February and $248,250 in penalties for the inspection opened on March 18.

IPMF LLC has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

Companies: IPMF LLC; NaturPak

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