CSB releases video recreation of massive 2019 plant explosion that killed four

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board last week released a video recreation showing what caused a massive explosion and fire at a Waukegan, Illinois silicone products plant in 2019 that resulted in the deaths of four employees. The video explains how an employee mixed two incompatible chemicals after misidentifying a drum of chemicals, producing highly flammable hydrogen gas that ignited. Lake & McHenry County Scanner

 

Fed-OSHA finds violations at Pennsylvania construction site of fatality

The construction company that employed a 27-year-old employee who died of an accidental electric shock at a Spring Township, Pennsylvania, worksite violated several labor standards, according to Fed-OSHA, which proposed a $29,000 fine against the contractor. The employee was in a ditch when the operator of an excavator came in contact with an overhead, energized power line, according to investigators. The electricity found its way to the employee, who was standing about 42 feet away, police said. Centre Daily Times

 

Starbucks barista claims she was forced to work after getting burned on the job

A Starbucks shift supervisor claims she was denied time off and compensation, and forced to return to work after reportedly suffering second-degree burns while handling a hot pitcher of water while working. New York Post

 

TOSHA cites Hankook for battery plant fatality

Tennessee OSHA has cited Hankook’s Clarksville battery plant with three violations, two classified as serious, following the December fatality of maintenance engineer who had transferred from the company’s Korean facility. The employee reportedly was adjusting the grippers of a machine when it activated, inflicting fatal struck-by injuries. Fed-OSHA says the company’s management did not participate in the walk-around of the fatality inspection, which indicated a lack of safety priority of the company and that no effort is make to have employees involved in the safety program. Proposed fines total $58,800. Main Street Clarksville

 

Tampa clinic where lead plant employees received flawed care to close

A Tampa health clinic whose medical director failed to warn local lead factory employees that the amount of metal in their bodies put them in danger will close soon, the clinic announced. A Tampa Bay Times investigation published last year detailed serious flaws in the care those employees received. Tampa Bay Times/Yahoo!