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Occupational Safety & Health Administration |
OSHA News Release
2002 - 07/30/2002 - Houston Chemical Company Agrees to Pay OSHA Penalties for Failing to Implement Hazardous Chemicals Standards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
Region 6 News Release: OSHA-02-128 Tues., July 30, 2002 Contact: Diana Petterson or Elizabeth Todd Phone: (214) 767-4776, ext. 222 or 221 Failing to Implement Hazardous Chemicals Standards DALLAS -- Syntech Chemicals Inc., headquartered in Houston, has agreed to pay $106,000 in penalties for citations issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration for its failure to implement safety standards to protect its employees against hazardous chemicals The OSHA Houston south area office began its investigation Jan. 30 at the company's Houston facility where a fire occurred from over-pressurization in the steam jacket of an oil-containing reactor. Most of the company's process facility was destroyed. Fortunately, there were no fatalities or injuries. The company was cited with 10 safety and health violations for failing to implement elements of the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals. Syntech Chemicals produces chemical coatings and other specialty chemicals and employs about 12 workers. In addition to agreeing to pay the penalties, Syntech Chemicals has engaged the services of an engineering firm and a safety management firm to help it develop and implement systems and procedures to protect its employees. "It is encouraging to see a small chemical company like Syntech take the steps it needs to not only meet OSHA standards, but to make significant improvements in their overall safety and health program," said Raymond Skinner, area director of OSHA's Houston south area office Employers or workers who have questions concerning safety and health may call OSHA's toll free hotline number at 1-800-321-6742 to report workplace accidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers. U.S. Labor Department news releases are accessible on the Internet at www.dol.gov. The information in this release will be made available in alternative format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call 202-693-7773 or TTY 202-693-7755. |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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