Six Dead from Georgia Sugar Refinery Blast. Did OSHA Do Its Job?

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2008/02/08/six-dead-from-georgia-sugar-refinery-blast-did-osha-do-its-job/

by Mike Hall, Feb 8, 2008

Did the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) inaction in setting a combustible dust standard play a role in yesterday’s deadly explosion at a Savannah, Ga., sugar refinery that killed six workers and injured 42?

Imperial Sugar CEO John Sheptor told the Associated Press:

As far as we know, it was a sugar dust explosion.

According to the AP, in a November 2006 report, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB), which investigates industrial chemical accidents, recommended that OSHA issue a comprehensive combustible dust standard for general industry. A posting on the Chemical Safety Board site Friday said the 2006 recommendation was still open.

According to the blog OSHA Underground, OSHA administrator Edwin G. Foulke Jr. said about the CSB recommendation:

A combustible dust fire and/or explosion is a potential hazard to America’s working men and women. This instruction will be a valuable resource for those who inspect industrial facilities in the United States.

The CSB has sent an investigate team to Savannah and we’ll keep you posted on any developments.

[NMDemDist2]

1. such a sad story, thanks for the update n/t