R.M. Palmer Faces OSHA Citations After Fatal Gas Leak Explosion -- Occupational Health & Safety

R.M. Palmer Faces OSHA Citations After Fatal Gas Leak Explosion

The candy manufacturer is under scrutiny following a March 2023 incident.

By Robert Yaniz Jr.
Oct 09, 2023

R.M. Palmer Co., a renowned Pennsylvania-based candy manufacturer, is facing OSHA citations after a gas leak explosion resulted in the deaths of seven workers at its West Reading facility.

According to a release dated Oct. 5, OSHA cited the company for failing to evacuate its workers after several of them reported smelling gas, a precursor to the devastating March 2023 incident. The investigation also uncovered other safety oversights, including unmarked emergency exit signs, improper use of flexible cords and recordkeeping violations.

“Seven workers will never return home because the R.M. Palmer Co. did not evacuate the facility after being told of a suspected gas leak,” OSHA Area Director Kevin T. Chambers in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, said in a statement. “Ensuring the safety of a workplace is expected of employers and required by law. The company could have prevented this horrific tragedy by following required safety procedures.”

Established in 1948, R.M. Palmer Co. employs about 850 workers and produces, packages and ships over 500 types of chocolates, confections and other products throughout North America. The company now has 15 business days to respond to the OSHA citations, during which it can comply, request an informal conference with OSHA or contest the agency’s findings.

About the Author

Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.

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