National News Release    USDL 02-091
February 13, 2002
Contact: Frank Meilinger
Phone: (202) 693-1999

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 October 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/explosives to the Department of Defense.