November 12th, 2014, OSHA released that workers cleaning a chemical spill at Penda Corp in Portage, Wisconsin, had not been trained in proper clean up nor provided proper personal protective equipment. The workers experienced symptoms of overexposure to an isocyanate chemical used in plastics that can cause asthma and lung problems, as well as irritation in eyes, nose, throat and skin.
A serious violation is issued if there is substantial probability of death or serious harm could result from hazard about which the employer knew or should have known. Penda Corp was cited for seven serious violations for lack of hazardous materials response plan and failure to train response procedures to workers. Required protective equipment, including gloves and respirators, were not provided, and so the company faced a $49,000 fine.
OSHA began inspection of the issue on September 5th upon receiving a complaint that the cleanup of a spill consisted of about 100 gallons of diphenylmethane diisocyanate. Kim Stalle, OSHA’s area director in Madison, says that employers have responsibilities to train workers in proper chemical handling and response procedures. Common precautions including personal protective equipment and active prevention of injuries and illnesses must be routine for workers.
Source: https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=26991
