Chemical manufacturer faces consequences for workplace safety violations that led to tragic loss of life.
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| Tragic 2019 explosion leads to major changes for AB Specialty Silicones, including safety improvements and financial penalty. Symbolic Image |
Waukegan, Illinois , USA– October 2, 2024:
Chemical products manufacturer AB Specialty Silicones LLC will pay a substantial $1.3 million federal penalty and implement comprehensive safety measures following a devastating explosion at its Waukegan plant in May 2019.
The incident tragically claimed the lives of four workers, prompting a thorough investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
The investigation revealed that AB Specialty Silicones had failed to adhere to essential electrical safety standards and had employed hazardous practices involving flammable liquids and gases. These shortcomings contributed significantly to the catastrophic explosion that resulted in the tragic loss of life.
As a consequence of these findings, OSHA reached a settlement agreement with the company, requiring AB Specialty Silicones to take immediate and decisive action to rectify the safety deficiencies that led to the accident.
The company has been mandated to temporarily halt the production of silicon-hydride emulsions and to implement a new, meticulously designed process area that addresses the identified safety concerns.
OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan underscored the importance of holding companies accountable for workplace safety. He emphasized that the settlement agreement represents a crucial step towards improving AB Specialty Silicones' safety culture. "This is a clear message that workplace safety is a paramount concern, and companies must take proactive measures to prevent such tragic incidents," Donovan stated.
The settlement agreement outlines a comprehensive set of requirements for AB Specialty Silicones to fulfill. These include the creation of a company-wide safety and health management system to ensure a robust framework for preventing accidents and promoting a safe working environment.
The court want the implementation of an emergency action plan and conducting regular evacuation drills to prepare employees for potential emergencies and ensure swift and orderly responses.
Providing comprehensive safety training to all employees in languages they understand has also been ordered, ensuring that everyone is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to work safely.
The company will mandate specialty training for management personnel on the proper handling of flammable materials, emphasizing the critical importance of understanding and mitigating the risks associated with these substances.
Purchasing industrial trucks are also to be followed that are specifically rated for handling flammable materials, ensuring that the equipment used in the workplace is safe and appropriate for the tasks involved.
They must conduct thorough audits of the company's occupational health and safety management system certification to maintain high standards and identify areas for improvement.
Hiring third-party consultants to assist with the analysis of electrical classification and hazards in any future or rebuilt facilities is mandatory, ensuring that the workplace is designed and operated in accordance with safety regulations.
The labor authority also wants allowing OSHA to conduct periodic inspections of the facilities without requiring a warrant, enabling the agency to monitor compliance with safety standards and identify potential hazards.
In addition to the safety measures, AB Specialty Silicones will be required to pay a substantial $1.3 million federal penalty. The penalty is to be paid in 12 quarterly installments, with the entire amount due immediately if a payment is missed.
The tragic explosion at the AB Specialty Silicones plant serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety. The settlement agreement and subsequent safety reforms are critical steps towards preventing similar incidents and ensuring the well-being of employees.
By taking decisive action to address the underlying causes of the accident, AB Specialty Silicones is demonstrating a commitment to improving its safety culture and creating a safer working environment for its employees.