OSHA Fines Geismar, Louisiana Plant $99K for 6 Safety Violations

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed fines of $99,000 against Williams Olefins for a June explosion at its plant in Geismar, La., that killed two workers and injured 80.

OSHA cited the company for six process safety management standard violations, including one willful. OSHA says a willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law’s requirements, or with indifference to worker safety.

Process safety management encompasses detailed procedures employers must follow to address hazards with processes and equipment using large amounts of hazardous chemicals. In this case, OSHA says it was the use of propylene.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Baton Rouge area director, or contest the findings.

Topics Workers' Compensation Louisiana