DuPont's chemical safety systems inadequate at
Deepwater, New Jersey, plant. OSHA cites company for failure to protect
workers from hazardous materials
DEEPWATER,
N.J. – Hazardous chemicals known to cause severe
burns, respiratory and reproductive health issues leaked out of a tanker truck
in May 2014, which exposed workers at E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co.,
Chamber Works in Deepwater, to health risks. A complaint filed with the U.S.
Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration prompted an
inspection of the company under the agency's National Emphasis
Program on Chemical Process Safety.
The investigation found 11 safety and health violations,
with proposed penalties totaling $120,300. OSHA is now investigating a DuPont
facility in La Porte, Texas, following a recent chemical leak that killed four
workers.
"The chemicals used at the Deepwater plant are corrosive
and volatile," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Area Office
in Marlton. "Releasing toxic, reactive or flammable liquid can cause
serious injury and death. It's vital that DuPont recognize these hazards and
take the steps necessary to prevent situations like this tanker truck
leak."
OSHA inspectors cited the company for eight serious
violations under the process safety management standard.
A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or
serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew
or should have known.
In addition to the serious violations, the company failed to
perform an analysis addressing hazards related to the storage and transport of
chemicals. DuPont also did not perform inspections and tests on the equipment
used in chemical processes, resulting in two repeat violations. The company was
previously cited for these same violations at other facilities in 2010 and 2011. One other-than-serious violation was cited
because the company failed to address issues relating to hazards promptly.
To see the citations, visit: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/Dupont_977332_1117_14.pdf*.
DuPont Chamber Works has 15 business days from receipt of
its citations and proposed penalties to comply, meet informally with OSHA's
area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety
and Health Review Commission.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a
complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing
imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at
800-321-OSHA (6742) or the Marlton Area Office at 856-596-5200.
Under the Occupational Safety and
Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and
healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these
conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing
standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more
information, visit http://www.osha.gov.