OSHA cites warehouse after 23 workers contract COVID-19

An Illinois warehouse was cited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration for alleged violations of the general duty clause after 23 workers came down with COVID-19 several days after gathering at a facility breakroom for a luncheon.

OSHA investigators alleged that around Oct. 27, 2020 — a few days after the luncheon — multiple workers at Midwest Warehouse and Distribution Systems Inc. in Naperville, Illinois, began reporting that they had tested positive for coronavirus, according to a statement released Tuesday by OSHA.

By Nov. 9, 2020, 23 workers tested positive, including one who died Nov. 4 from COVID-19 complications, and investigators alleged that the company failed to take steps to identify, inform, isolate and quarantine potentially exposed employees when they first received reports of coronavirus cases.

OSHA proposed a penalty of $12,288 for the serious violation citation.

The company will have 15 business days to contest OSHA’s findings.

More insurance and workers compensation news on the coronavirus crisis here.