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OSHA News Release: [02/13/2002]
Contact Name: Frank
Meilinger
Florida Explosives Manufacturer Settles Safety and Health
Violations
WASHINGTON -- MEI Holdings, Inc. has agreed to hire a full-time
safety and health director, implement a comprehensive safety and health
program, and provide training to all of its production employees, as part of a
final settlement agreement announced today by the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration. The company will also pay $300,000 in penalties for
safety and health violations at its Perry, Fla., plant.
The agreement settles citations issued by OSHA against MEI Holdings,
Inc., (doing business as Martin Electronics) on Oct. 30, 2000, following an
explosion that destroyed a building used for drying wet composition of
potentially volatile chemicals that are used for infrared decoy flares. The
explosion claimed the life of one employee and seriously injured another.
“We can never turn back the clock and replace a lost life or even
make up for injuries that resulted from this tragic accident,” said Labor
Secretary Elaine L. Chao. “However, we can lead by example to prevent
future accidents and MEI has shown a willingness to eliminate hazards and
better protect their employees.”
“By agreeing to resolve this matter and implement new programs, MEI
has taken major steps to improve the safety and health of their
employees,” said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. “This tells us
they are serious about improving working conditions at their
facility.”
MEI Holdings employs about 285 workers at the Perry facility. The
company manufactures and supplies military pyrotechnics and explosives to the
Department of Defense.
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