Federal workplace health and safety inspectors found multiple serious violations at tobacco factories in Brooklyn and Queens run by HotHead Grabba, resulting in over $91,000 in fines from OSHA. Immigrant workers complained of substandard pay and conditions, including long hours, lack of breaks, and exposure to health hazards like nicotine and combustible dust. Ongoing investigations are still being conducted by both federal and state agencies.
Federal workplace health and safety inspectors recently uncovered numerous fire, electrical, respiratory, and sanitary hazards at tobacco factories in Brooklyn and Queens. The factories, which employ immigrant workers, were found to have substandard pay and working conditions. HotHead Grabba, a company that packages loose ground tobacco leaves, is facing fines totaling over $91,000 from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a result of these violations.
At the HotHead Grabba facility in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn, OSHA identified 10 serious violations that could lead to accidents or serious harm. A similar situation was found at the company’s facility in Ozone Park, Queens, where 12 serious violations were detected. The fines recommended by OSHA amounted to $36,874 for the Brooklyn factory and $54,267 for the Queens factory.
The investigation by OSHA began in response to complaints from workers at the Brooklyn factory who reported health issues such as dizziness, fainting, fatigue, and nausea due to long work hours and exposure to tobacco in an enclosed space. The workers also alleged that they were paid below the minimum wage and were not provided with necessary protective equipment.
Inspectors discovered various violations at the facilities, including unsafe exits, lack of personal protective equipment, and exposure to nicotine through bare hands while handling tobacco leaves. Workers reported grinding tobacco for long hours without adequate protection from the strong tobacco odor. OSHA cited risks related to fire hazards from the accumulation of combustible dust in the factories.
Former employees of the Queens factory shared similar experiences of working long hours in poor conditions. They expressed relief and anger upon learning about OSHA’s fines, highlighting the exploitation of immigrant workers by the company. Despite the ongoing probes, HotHead Grabba has the option to settle or appeal the citations issued by OSHA.
The company has not responded to inquiries about the violations. OSHA continues to investigate the safety hazards at both HotHead Grabba facilities, emphasizing the importance of ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.
Source: TheCity.NYC
