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U.S. Department of Labor | |
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OSHA News Release
2005 - 07/06/2005 - OSHA Cites Fertilizer and Chemical Manufacturer for Safety Hazards |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release Release Number: 05-1085-ATL (154) Date: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 Contact: Les Grove Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (813) 626-1177 (404) 562-2076 OSHA Cites Fertilizer and Chemical Manufacturer for Safety Hazards
TAMPA, Fla. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Company Inc., for 38 alleged serious violations of workplace safety and health standards. The citations, which assess penalties totaling $73,850, follow investigation of a Feb. 16 accident at the company's Groveland, Fla., plant. According to OSHA, an employee at the plant was mixing and heating chemicals inside a modified steel drum when it became over-pressurized, exploded and launched through the plant's ceiling. The employee was seriously burned. "This accident could have been prevented if the company had performed a hazard assessment before beginning the process," said Les Grove, OSHA's Tampa area director. OSHA cited the company, and proposed penalties totaling $17,500, for failing to: use proper equipment to mix and heat chemicals; assess hazards involved in processing chemicals; determine and provide appropriate personal protective equipment for employees, and provide employees with chemical-hazard-recognition training. The company was also cited for failing to protect workers from falls, amputations, electrical and confined space hazards. Proposed penalties for those violations were $56,350. Howard Fertilizer & Chemical Company has 15 working days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Tampa area office, 5807 Breckenridge Pkwy, Suite A; phone: (813) 626-1177. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
U.S. Labor Department (DOL) releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate 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) 693-7765 or TTY (202) 693-7755. DOL is committed to providing America's employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations. For more information, please visit www.dol.gov/compliance. |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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