The U.S. Occupational Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) has proposed fining Verla International more than $280,000 in connection with an explosion at its upstate New York cosmetic factory that tragically killed a worker and injured scores of others last November.
Long-Time Verla International Employee Died in November 20th Explosion
The first of two explosions rocked the Verla International plant in New Windsor, New York, at roughly 10:15 a.m. on November 20, 2017.
The second blast followed just 25 minutes later.
William Huntington, 57, of Newburgh, New York, was reported missing shortly after the initial blast. The remains of the long-time Verla International employee were discovered later that evening.
At least 125 people sought treatment at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, mostly for non-life-threatening injuries.
The second explosion injured 7 City of Newburgh firefighters, including 2 who suffered burns.
OSHA: Verla International Failed to Protect Workers from Dangerous Chemicals, other Hazards
Investigators later determined that the first explosion was ignited after static electricity came into contact with a combustible chemical called hexamethyldisiloxane, or HMDZ.
According to a Citation and Notification of Penalty issued to Verla International on May 7th, OSHA has fined the company $281,220 for failing to protect workers from dangerous chemicals and other hazards.
“An employer’s adherence to safety and health standards, including the proper and safe transfer of flammable liquids, is critical to preventing fire, explosions and other incidents that can seriously or fatally injure workers,” OSHA Albany Area Office Director Robert Garvey said in a statement announcing the penalties.
OSHA Citations Include 10 Serious Violations, 2 Repeat Offenses
OSHA cited Verla International for 11 violations, including 10 that are deemed “Serious.”
The company also received citations for two repeat offenses for failing to properly store and ground both flammable-liquid containers and their pouring nozzles to prevent dangerous sparks.
Verla was was first cited for those violations in November 2016.
Verla International has 15 business days from receipt of OSHA’s notification to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before OSHA’s independent review commission.
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