Hazardous chemical release sends 12 workers to the hospital, soap manufacturer fined $161K
An OSHA investigation has determined that AFCO, a manufacturing subsidiary of Zep Inc., failed to protect workers before, during, and after a chemical gas release. The incident occurred in July 2024 when chemicals reacted during processing by AFCO employees. Nitrogen dioxide gas was released, exposing employees to gas levels exceeding the chemical’s ceiling limit. Ultimately, 12 workers were sent to the hospital, with two employees requiring hospitalization.
During its investigation, OSHA determined that AFCO, which manufactures soap and detergent, failed to assess the impact of the release immediately and did not swiftly evacuate workers from the building as a precaution. The agency also found that AFCO had no emergency response plan in place, and that its respiratory protection and hazard communication programs failed to meet federal requirements. The company was cited for four serious violations and faces $161,310 in federal penalties.
What people are saying
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Kevin T. Chambers said, “AFCO’s lack of urgency in addressing the hazardous conditions put employees at serious risk. Employers have a legal responsibility to identify workplace hazards and take immediate action to protect their employees from harm.”
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