A Wisconsin ice cream plant finds itself in a sticky situation following a series of alleged OSHA violations. According to the federal safety regulator, an investigation into the frozen treat confectionary began after a concerning report. Federal authorities claim workers were being exposed to anhydrous ammonia, which is a hazardous chemical used in refrigeration. Unprotected…
For the first time in nearly three decades, OSHA is releasing new guidance for the interpretation of process safety management pertaining to dangerous chemicals. While primarily intended for uniformed enforcement guidance of existing regulations, the 103-page document gives companies handling dangerous materials new insight on how federal agents interpret storage guidelines. The new directive requires…
Compliant petroleum storage is one of the most pressing threats to our vulnerable ecosystems. According to the Department of Energy, every year, about 1.3 million gallons of petroleum products find their way to U.S. waterways by inadvertent discharge or accidental spillage. Most of these unintended discharges result from mismanaged or leaky pipelines and maritime vessels.…
OSHA’s got beef with a Midwest food manufacturer after a forklift incident led to the amputation of a worker’s fingertip last year. An investigation by the federal agency reveals the worker’s fingertip got caught in a forklift attachment while positioning materials. The worker’s finger was medically amputated a few weeks following the incident. Unsurprisingly, OSHA…
No business is immune from noncompliant chemical storage incidents. Every year, thousands of business nationwide find themselves saddled with exorbitant fines due to inadequate storage practices. Now is the perfect time to safeguard employees and customers with fire-rated chemical storage solutions from U.S. Hazmat Rentals. Nearly every business in our economy will come in contact…
There’s no use crying over spilled milk – unless the milk is tainted. Last week, Turners Falls High School students reported an unknown liquid in their chocolate milk containers in the school cafeteria. Fearing a mass contamination event, school officials requested a local hazmat team to investigate the tainted milk further. All students received a…
Looking for compliant chemical storage, but weary of the costs? Investing in steel-welded chemical warehouses can prevent thousands of dollars in fines and unwarranted headaches for years to come. Everyday, dozens of manufacturing facilities find themselves on the receiving end of the judgmental pen from OSHA safety inspectors. Recurring hazmat fines can deprive operations of…
If there’s anything OSHA hates more than negligence, it’s repeat offenders. One-time accidents that kill or maim dozens is a blight on any company record that can’t be wiped clean. When that same company repeats its chemical trespasses, federal safety officials will turn into your worst enemy. Following chemical storage incidents, OSHA outlines the violations…
Everything is bigger in Texas, including chemical storage incidents. Last week, folks in Shepherd, Texas found themselves scurrying for the hills after a large explosion at a solvents plant sent massive plumes of black smoke skyward. Initial reports indicate minimal injuries, but the investigation is ongoing. Like with almost every other hazmat incident making headlines…
More often than not, most citations for improper chemical storage can be resolved with corrective measures and a stern warning. Repeat offenders, however, will find their fate hanging perilously in the balance. The most egregious and notorious chemical storage incidents invariably come to an end in the courtroom. Despite persistent warnings and hefty fines, countless…