u.s, Department Of Labor Oczupatiorlal Safety and Health Administration
Peoria Area Dflize
1310 w. Drive, Suite am
Peoria, IL 61515
OSHAPeoIla@dol gov
(309) 53977032
fo (309153977225

 

May 12, 2020

Julie A. Pryde . Public Health Administrator
201 w. Kenyon Rd.
Champaign, IL 61820

Dear MS. Pryde:

The 0.5. Department of labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting
an inspection ofalleged safety and health hazards at the Rantoul foods facility in Rantoul, OSHA
initiated its inspection on May 5, 2020, and is investigating, among other issues, the procedures
implemented by Ranmul Foods to protect employeesfrom exposure to the COVIDVIB virus. We
understand that the City of Champaign/Urbana Health Department is similarly working with Ranmul
foods to address its response to the outbreak at the facility. To that end, we are interested in
sharing information with youroffice in furtherance of state and federal enforcement goals.

It is the policy of the Department of Laborto cooperate with law enforcement agencies to the fullest
extent possible under the law, subject to the general limitation that any such cooperation must be
consistent with the Department's own statutory obligations and enforcement efforts. it is the
Department's view that an exchange of information in cases in which both entities are proceeding on
essentially the same matter is to our mutual benefit. See Hopkinson v. Shiller, 866 F.2d 1120, 1222 (10th
Cir. 1939). There is a need for the Government to provide information to other law enforcement bodies
without making a public disclosure. This need was recognized by Congress when it provided for
disclosure ofinformation to nonfederal law enforcement entities covered bythe Privacy Act. See, u.S.
Department of Justice v. Reporters Committee, 109 1468 (1929); see also 5 552a(b)(7).
Accordingly, we do not consider the exchange ofinformation between OSHA and the City's Health
Department to be one which could be considered a public disclosure under the Freedom of Information
Act.

We understand that the release of investigative information may be subject to certain limitations.
However, to the extent that OSHA and the Department of Health can work together cooperatively to
share investigative materials, we believe it would be in the interest of public safety and health to do so.
At this time, OSHA is requesting any records that yourdepartment may have regarding the COVIDVIB
outbreak at the Smithfield Plant, including but not limited to:

(1) Employee reports of illness;
(2) test results;

(3) Correspondence between the City ofChampaign/Urbana Health Department and Rantoul foods
representatives;

(4) interviews conducted with employees or management officials related to the outpreak olcovmg;
(5) Statistical data reflecting any potential clusters within the plant, including production
lines, work stations, or common areas;

Phamgraphs and/oryideo taken afthe plant, including workstations, processes or eouipment; and
(7) Any recommendations issued to Rantoul Foods pythe C'ltv ofChampaign/Urbana Health Department
to combat the spread of the virus.

lfyou would like to discuss this matterfurther, please feel free to contact me at_or

-- We lack forward to working with your department in this matter.

Sincerely,

Diana Strain
Compliance Officer