OSHA Cites Explosives Manufacturer

The 51 alleged violations mainly concerned Austin Powder Co.'s process safety management.

OSHA announced it has cited Austin Powder Co. with 51 alleged health and safety violations, with proposed fines totaling $258,000, after investigating conditions at its McArthur, Ohio, explosives factory. The facility produces commercial explosives for the construction and mining industries.

"By disregarding OSHA's common-sense standards, this employer endangered the facility's workers," said Deborah Zubaty, OSHA's area director for its Columbus office. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially those exposed to hazardous materials, and educating employers about safety and health regulations."

The inspection began Dec. 12, 2012, under the agency's Site Specific Targeting Plan, which targets companies that record a higher-than-average incident and illness rate. OSHA's news release says a secondary inspection was conducted under the national emphasis program for covered chemical facilities.

The alleged violations mainly concerned process safety management. OSHA's release says the facility was inspected in 2009 after an explosion that resulted in three workers hospitalized, one of whom died. Five serious citations followed, and a 2010 follow-up inspection found no violations.

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