CSB Releases Its Initial Findings on the 2013 Ammonia Nitrate Fertilizer Explosion at West Fertilizer Co.

Chemical Safety Board (CSB) released its initial findings on the 2013 explosion from the storage of large quantities of ammonia nitrate (AN) fertilizer, where 14 people were killed, 226 injured and local communities destroyed.  Findings indicate fire fighters and other first responders along with the communities located near AN storage and distribution facilities are not being told of the AN hazard; and there are no fire codes are in place to ensure companies use safe storage practices for AN fertilizer.  Fertilizer Institute establishes guidelines for first responders.  Read more here

Blocked Exits and Other Repeat Safety Violations at a Dollar General Store Leads to a $113K Fine

OSHA inspected a Dollar General store in Pennsylvania for one serious incident and three repeat violations, and proposes a fine of $113,300.  The compliant alleged hazards due to bolted and blocked exits and blocked aisles.  The company was also cited for failure to have a fire extinguisher readily available.  Dollar General stores have been cited more than 40 times and inspected by OSHA more than 70 times since 2009, usually because of blocked exits, electrical panels, as well as improperly maintained fire extinguishers.  "It only takes one emergency for workers to get hurt or killed because of the company's deficient safety practices", says OSHA's area director of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.