Firms Fined after Worker Dies in Vat of Chocolate

January 15, 2010

Two chocolate processing companies in Camden, New Jersey have been fined for safety violations following the death of an employee who fell into a giant vat of chocolate in July.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Lyons & Sons Inc. and Cocoa Services LP with a total of 12 serious citations.

Vincent Smith II died in July after he was hit by a paddle used to mix chocolate.

OSHA said there were improper safety precautions at the facility and that a first-aid program was not in place.

Fines for the two companies total more than $39,000.

A city judge had already levied a fine for operating a business without a license.