Chemical processing manufacturer cited for failing to protect workers from catastrophic chemical exposures in Palestine, Texas

Employer's name: Baze Chemical Inc., headquartered in Odessa, Texas

Citations issued: Aug. 31, 2015

Investigation findings: Baze was cited for 20 serious violations, most of them related to the Process Safety Management standard, which involves the management of hazards associated with processes using dangerous chemicals. This includes failing to conduct a process hazard analysis prior to processing a batch of chemicals including ethylene oxide, a high hazard product. The employer also did not develop written procedures for the startup, operations or emergencies for chemical processing.

Proposed Penalties: $114,800

Quote: "Process safety management prevents the unexpected release of toxic, reactive or flammable liquids and gases in processes involving highly hazardous chemicals," said Stephen Boyd, OSHA's area director in Dallas. "It's vital that Baze ensure safeguards are in place to protect the safety of workers at this facility."

Link to the citations: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/osha/bazechemical1051164.pdf

Information: Baze has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions; obtain compliance assistance; file a complaint or report amputations, eye loss, workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Dallas Area Office at 972-952-1330. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.