Wikoff Color Corp. Fined for Safety Violations Leading to Employee Burn Injuries
The company initially faced $183,207 in proposed penalties for its 12 serious violations.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jul 24, 2024
An OSHA investigation into Wikoff Color Corp., an international ink and coatings manufacturer, resulted in the identification of safety violations. Following a serious safety incident at its Lisbon, Wisconsin facility, the company faced penalties amounting to $183,207, ultimately agreeing to pay $110,000 following an informal conference with the agency.
According to a recent release, the worker sustained first- and second-degree burns from a flash fire while manually adding combustible powder ingredients to an industrial mixing vessel containing flammable liquids and vapors in January 2024. OSHA determined the fire ignited inside the mixing vessel and the flames escaped through the charging port, resulting in injury.
“A worker suffered severe and painful injuries needlessly because Wikoff Color Corp. did not follow federal safety and health regulations designed to protect workers when handling highly hazardous chemicals,” OSHA Area Director Dustin Schnipke in Milwaukee said in a statement. “This company has been in business far too long to expose employees to hazards that can be reduced by using proper procedures and training employees to ensure safe working conditions for all.”
Investigators identified that Wikoff Color Corp. failed to adhere to the Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements for the safe handling of highly hazardous chemicals. The company was cited for 12 serious violations, also including failure to provide effective training on the hazards of flammable liquids and combustible dust and exposing workers to fall hazards.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.