OSHA Levies $182K in Proposed Fines Against Louisiana Company

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) levied proposed penalties totaling $182,000 against a Louisiana company. The federal agency cited Lion Copolymer for one willful, 19 serious and three other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to possible fires, explosions and hazardous conditions.

The company employs approximately 122 workers at its Baton Rouge facility. The serious violations included the following:

·         Failing to maintain the structural integrity of pipe hangers and support rods

·         Failing to ensure ammonia was properly labeled

·         Failing to ensure that operating procedures for the ammonia refrigeration system were certified by management in a timely manner

·         Failing to report a leak in a 4-inch valve at the ammonia storage tank

The willful violation was for failing to conduct adequate maintenance and inspect crucial valves. OSHA’s inspection began last October as part of its program to emphasize safety in chemical process management. The program stresses the importance of managing hazardous chemicals and establishing safer operating procedures.

Employees have the right to a safe workplace and employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment. Contact a New Orleans injury lawyer if you suffer injuries from an unsafe work environment. You have the best possible chance at fair compensation for your injures with an experienced New Orleans injury attorney on your side.