KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A Knoxville food plant has been fined $14,050 for state workplace violations following an August incident in which a worker suffered a severe shock.
TOSHA officials had recommended a $16,550 total fine but agreed earlier this month to cut it after meeting with Reily Foods officials, who said they had hired a consultant and a new environmental safety manager, records state.
On Aug. 29, 2018, a worker had helped install a submersible pump and switch at the 3434 Mynatt Ave. plant, according to TOSHA records. He'd been working with another person at a waste water lift station pump tank.
When he cut a wire, he suffered a shock, according to records. The unnamed man lost consciousness, stopped breathing and had no pulse but was revived with an defibrillator, according to investigative documents.
He was transported to an area hospital but his status after that is unknown.
TOSHA began an investigation and ultimately found 10 serious violations. Most focused on the confined pump tank space and proper procedures when working down in it.
One citation states Reily didn't "evaluate (Knoxville Fire Department's) ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner."
KFD responded to the scene after the worker was shocked.
Another citation noted employees were exposed to "live electrical circuits while replacing a float switch that were not deenergized."
On Feb. 6, Reily officials met in the Knoxville TOSHA office.
The company did not argue about the citations and the meeting was "cordial", a TOSHA memo states.
"They stated they had hired a consultant to review their program and develop a comprehensive program," the memo states. "As this would take some time they requested an extension of the confined space citation abatement. They also asked if any penalty reduction could be considered due to their efforts."
State authorities agreed to cut $2,500 from the cited total, bringing the amount to $14,050.
Efforts to reach Reily were unsuccessful.
Brands sold under the Reily Foods name include JFG Coffee. Reily's is based in New Orleans.
