In January of 2021, six workers at a poultry plant outside of Atlanta, GA, were killed, and 11 more were sent to the hospital, three in critical condition. It was concluded that a liquid nitrogen leak was the cause.
A freezer overflowed with liquid nitrogen, which vaporized into an odorless gas upon contact with air. A federal investigation found a bent tube, likely damaged during maintenance, prevented the freezer from monitoring and regulating liquid nitrogen levels.
OSHA made nearly 60 citations and proposed close to $1,000,000 in fines between the poultry plant, the liquid nitrogen delivery company, the freezer manufacturer and mechanical servicer, and the company responsible for cleaning and sanitation services at the plant.
