OSHA Cites MFG Chemical Inc. after One Fatality and Two Injuries
The company was cited for repeated safety hazards
According to a news release from OSHA, An MFG Chemical Inc. worker died after hazardous chemical vapors released from an over pressurized reactor burned his respiratory system. A second employee was treated at a hospital and released. An OSHA inspection resulted in citations for MFG for 17 safety and health violations.
"MFG continues to violate OSHA standards, exposing workers to serious hazards associated with process safety management," said Christi Griffin, director of OSHA's Atlanta-West Area Office. "Allowing repeated violations demonstrates the company's lack of commitment to worker safety and health."
MFG was inspected by OSHA previously in 2012 and received 19 serious citations related to process safety management standards.
OSHA's Process Safety Management standard contains specific requirements for the management of hazards associated with processes using dangerous chemicals and establishes a comprehensive management program integrating technologies, procedures and management practices.
OSHA issued repeated citations for MFG's failure to ensure that the reactor system alarm provided early warning for worker evacuation; not training workers on the hazards of permit-required confined spaces; and failure to ensure equipment used for manufacturing had an adequate pressure-relief design.
Serious citations were issued for the company's failure to ensure guarded floor openings and pits; establish and implement written changes to the chemical manufacturing process; and identify previous workplace incidents that had the potential for catastrophic results. Other violations included failure to provide medical examinations for workers required to use respirators and not conducting fit tests for respirators.