Lion's office will be closed on Friday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. For help with online training, please contact support@lion.com.
Search

Newport, WA Plant Fined $1.3M for Explosion that Injured 17

Posted on 1/21/2016 by Roger Marks

A Newport, WA plastics and composites production plant where a July 2015 explosion injured seventeen workers has been cited for willful and serious violations of OSHA’s work safety standards. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, the employer could have prevented the explosion using proper safety interlocks and safeguards to ensure safe use of a curing oven. 

The explosion occurred when highly flammable resins were run through a 90-foot oven multiple times, according to a release from the Washington Department of L&I.  Just eleven days before the inciting incident, the facility was evacuated due to flammable vapors that posed an explosion risk.

Because the explosion caused injury to seventeen workers, the facility was cited for seventeen willful OSHA violations, each of which carries a maximum civil penalty of $70,000. In addition, the facility was fined for “serious violations,” including:
  • Not ensuring effective energy control procedures to protect workers cleaning/servicing the oven
  • Confined space violations related to employees working in the oven
  • Failure to prevent ignition of flammable vapors
  • Failure to adequately protect workers from inhaling vapors and chemicals
                     Facility explosion leads to OSHA fines

The $1.3 million total penalty is the result of a six month investigation, which found the company used defective equipment and did not use proper procedures to protect workers. The employer has 15 days to appeal the OSHA citations.

Keep Your Team Safe with Effective OSHA Safety Training

Keep your workers safe with online training that’s convenient, holds their attention, and prepares them to think critically about safety and compliance. Online OSHA courses at Lion.com are packed with engaging exercises and can be accessed 24/7 from any place that has an Internet connection. Plus, support is available 7 days a week, so you can train when you have time.

From a newly updated OSHA 10 Hour General Industry Course to specific workplace issues like hazard communication (29 CFR 1910.1200) and lithium battery safety, OSHA online training at Lion.com prepares employees to identify hazards and protect themselves and co-workers on the job.

Tags: enforcement, fire safety, osha, process safety management

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Best instructor ever! I was going to take my DOT training w/a different provider, but based on this presentation, I will also be doing my DOT training w/Lion!

Donna Moot

Hazardous Waste Professional

As always, Lion never disappoints

Paul Resley

Environmental Coordinator

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Best course instructor I've ever had. Funny, relatable, engaging; made it interesting and challenged us as the professionals we are.

Amanda Schwartz

Environmental Coordinator

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

Lion Technology workshops are amazing!! You always learn so much, and the instructors are fantastic.

Dorothy Rurak

Environmental Specialist

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

Well designed and thorough program. Excellent summary of requirements with references. Inclusion of regulations in hard copy form, as well as full electronic with state pertinent regulations included is a great bonus!

Oscar Fisher

EHS Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Get to know the top 5 changes to OSHA’s revised GHS Hazard Communication Standard at 29 CFR 1910.1200 and how the updates impacts employee safety at your facility.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.