June 15, 2016
By:
Walter G. Wright
Category:
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
Arkansas Environmental, Energy, and Water Law
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a May 31st news release alleging violations by a fragrance manufacturer.
Ungerer & Company (“UC”) is stated to operate a “global flavor fragrance manufacturer” in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
OSHA states that it undertook an inspection of the manufacturing facility based on a referral from a Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. The referral alleged that employees suffered respiratory distress from an unknown chemical odor which prompted the investigation.
OSHA alleges that it found repeat violations because UC failed to use approved electrical equipment to clean up combustible dust and failed to train employees expected to participate in emergency response operations. Other violations are alleged to include:
- A mobile ladder stand not equipped with safety stops to prevent horizontal movement
- A dust collection unit handling combustible dust not provided with proper explosion protection or suppression systems
- No developed emergency response plan
- Employees overexposed to hydrogen sulfide
- Feasible administrative and engineering controls not implemented
- Safety data sheets not maintained and without required safety and health administration
OSHA also alleges that UC did not conduct periodic re-evaluations of its hazardous energy control program.
A civil penalty of $63,450 is proposed by the agency.
UC has 15 days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the news release can be downloaded below.
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