SVEP Assignment, $473,000 Penalty Filed in Fatality Case
OSHA has cited Raani Corp. of Bedford Park, Ill., for six alleged willful violations and seven serious violations in connection with a worker's death from chemical burns in November 2011.
OSHA's Region 5 office has cited Raani Corp. of Bedford Park, Ill., in connection with an employee's death from chemical burns on Nov. 17, 2011. OSHA's news release said a referral came in from the Cook County, Ill. medical examiner indicating the worker "died from burn injuries caused by high-temperature water and a solution that erupted while the worker was beneath an open tank hatch. An investigation determined that the company failed to call 911 to seek emergency medical treatment and neglected to wash the worker in the available safety shower. The worker was transferred to a local occupational health clinic in a co-worker's vehicle more than 30 minutes after the injury."
"Raani Corp. has a legal and moral responsibility to seek immediate medical attention for anyone injured in the workplace," said Greg Baxter, acting regional administrator for OSHA in Chicago. "Failing to provide protective equipment and hazard communication training shows zero commitment to worker safety and health."
A total of $473,000 in penalties have been filed along with six alleged willful violations for failing to utilize available emergency care; train workers on the proper use of protective clothing; provide eye, face, and hand protection when handling high-temperature liquid and hazardous chemicals; and provide hazard communication training to workers exposed to hazardous chemicals. Seven alleged serious safety violations include failing to perform a PPE assessment and failing to provide visible quick drenching facilities within the immediate work area.
The company is a private label manufacturer of health care items and over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and a contract packager. According to OSHA, it employs 150 workers, nearly half of whom are temporary day workers. The citations can be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/RaaniCorp_110113_0515_11.pdf.
The release said OSHA has placed Raani Corp. in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections.