The United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Austin Powder Co. in Arkansas for 22 serious and 1 repeat safety and health violations. These citations come with proposed penalties totaling $178,400. The citations primarily pertain to a failure to correct multiple deficiencies in the area of process safety management.

“OSHA’s process safety management standard has stringent and comprehensive requirements to prevent catastrophic incidents, such as the uncontrolled release of highly hazardous chemicals,” said Carlos Reynolds, OSHA’s area director for its Little Rock office. “Employers must follow OSHA standards proactively to ensure the safety of workers exposed to hazardous chemicals.”

Process safety management primarily relates to the unexpected release of toxic, reactive, or flammable liquids and gases in relation to processes which involve hazardous chemicals. If you are in an industry which involves hazardous chemicals, it is imperative you ensure your process safety management procedures are up to date. OSHA is in the midst of a National Emphasis Program for Process Safety Management Standards, meaning even companies without an injury or fatality may be targeted for an audit.

If you have any questions about process safety management regulations or about the National Emphasis Program for Process Safety Management Standards, please contact us. If you have anything else to add about the importance of updated process safety management policies, please leave a comment.