July 24, 2018
U.S. Department of Labor Finds Safety Violations Following
Fatal Kentucky Shipyard Towboat Explosion
CALVERT CITY, KY – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited five contractors for safety and health violations after three employees were fatally injured and two others critically injured following an explosion onboard a towboat in Calvert City, Kentucky. The five companies collectively received 55 of violations with proposed penalties totaling $795,254.
OSHA cited ship repair contractor First Marine LLC; insulation contractor Thermal Control and Fabrication Inc.; temporary staffing companies Hutco Inc. and Day Help LLC (doing business as Wise Staffing Group); and blasting and painting contractor Joe Rupcke. First Marine LLC has been placed in the agency's Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
OSHA's investigation determined that the explosion occurred when employees were cutting and welding in an atmosphere containing flammable gases. OSHA issued citations for failing to test confined spaces before entry; train workers on confined space entry operations; label chemical containers; exposing employees to asphyxiation, fire, explosion, chemical, trip, and drowning hazards; and allowing hot work/welding to be performed without testing for an explosive atmosphere.
"This tragedy could have been prevented if the employers had followed proper confined space procedures and implemented appropriate safety measures," said OSHA Regional Administrator Kurt A. Petermeyer.
See the citations for First Marine, Hutco, Thermal Control and Fabrication, Wise Staffing Group, and Joe Rupcke.
The companies have 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
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 https://www.osha.gov.
============================
Autopsies completed on victims of boat explosion
January 19, 2018
WPSD Staff
CALVERT CITY, KY – Authorities have released the names of the people killed in a tow boat explosion in Marshall County that happened Friday morning.Investigators with Kentucky State Police say 52-year-old Timothy Wright of Calvert City; 56-year-old Jerome Smith of Thibodaux, Louisiana; and 41-year-old Quentin Stewart of Opelousas, Louisiana, were pronounced dead at the scene by the Marshall County coroner.
Autopsies were completed on Sunday. Preliminary findings attribute each victim’s death to injuries received during the explosion.
Six people were injured in the blast and were taken to hospitals by first responders. KSP says 21-year-old Javier Fuenes and 23-year-old Wilson Madrid were taken by ambulance to Marshall County Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Troopers say James Lang and Tyler Wedeking were taken by ambulance to Lourdes hospital in Paducah for treatment of serious injuries.
Jimmy Lang and Billy Counts were taken by helicopter to Vanderbilt University Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries.
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is being held by OHSA and KSP. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kentucky State Police Post 1 at 270-856-3721 or anonymously at 1-800-222-5555.