The U.S. Department of Labor announced on March 18 that a Wisconsin beauty and personal care products manufacturer has been cited for repeat and serious safety violations following an explosion involving nitrocellulose at its facility in Prescott.
Investigators from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspected California-based SV Labs Prescott Corp. after a 55-gallon fiber drum containing nitrocellulose exploded, causing a secondary fire with flammable liquids. The investigation found that the company did not have a comprehensive new hire safety and health program, and failed to provide newly hired employees with chemical and respiratory protection training, respirator fit testing, or medical evaluations.
According to the Department of Labor, "OSHA cited SV Labs Prescott Corp. for two repeat violations related to respiratory protection and hazard communication, and 10 serious violations related to flammable liquids; fire extinguisher training and inspections; forklift training and inspections; electrical hazards; and hazard communications. The employer also received six other-than-serious citations for recordkeeping violations, lack of powered industrial truck training, and unsafe material handling. The agency proposed penalties of $275,694." The company has contested the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted during the case process.
Employers are encouraged to learn about chemical hazards, toxic substances, and respiratory protections. OSHA offers compliance assistance resources as well as free help on complying with OSHA standards.
In related news from August 24, 2022, the Department of Labor announced $3.4 million in Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants administered by the department’s Women’s Bureau and Employment and Training Administration. Phoenix, Arizona was awarded $542,358 through the Fresh Start Women’s Foundation according to the Department of Labor.
Further details about this case can be found on the official roster page.
