The deaths of four workers at a DuPont facility in La Porte, Tex., has prompted a deeper look from OSHA at DuPont safety practices.
In November 2014, a worker was overcome at a DuPont chemical manufacturing facility when a supply line unexpectedly released more than 20,000 lbs. of methyl mercaptan when she opened a drain on a methyl mercaptan vent line. Two co-workers who came to her aid also were overcome. None of the three wore protective respirators. A fourth co-worker – the brother of one of the fallen men – attempted a rescue, but was unsuccessful. All four people died in the building.
After the initial investigation into the four deaths, OSHA found hazards that prompted the inspection at the facility to be expanded under the National Emphasis Program for chemical facilities.
OSHA on July 9 issued citations to DuPont for three willful, one repeat and four serious violations at its chemical manufacturing plant in La Porte. The agency has proposed penalties of $273,000 for these new violations.
Read the full article "OSHA Revisits DuPont Facility Where Four Workers Died, Issues More Citations" -- including DuPont's response -- on EHS Today, a companion site of IndustryWeek and part of Penton's Manufacturing and Supply Chain Group.
