Dive Summary:
- The Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Electronic Recycling and Trading Company (ERT) with 14 violations and has proposed a $60,060 fine
- Violations stem from an investigation that was triggered by a combustible dust explosion that injured two workers
- The company claims that it is workign with OSHA and has implemented changes to make its facility safer. “Our primary concern is our employees and for anyone who enters our facility,” said ERT's president, Ken Jaross
From the article:
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Electronic Recycling and Trading Co. (ERT), an Austin, Texas, electronics recycler, with 14 serious violations after two workers were injured from a combustible dust explosion at the company's worksite in Austin. The agency proposed a $60,060 penalty.
"Employers must ensure their workplaces are evaluated for hazards and take corrective action before a dangerous incident such as this occurs," says Casey Perkins, OSHA area director in Austin. "Combustible dust hazards can be controlled by implementing multiple safeguards, such as installing proper exhaust ventilation systems."
An inspection began Jan. 10, 2012, after an explosion at the company's facility. Workers were sorting materials on the output conveyor when combustible dust generated by a nearby ring mill pulverizing machine caused an explosion that sent two workers to the hospital with severe burns.
According to OSHA, the safety inspection violations include failing to provide approved and adequate dust collection and fire suppression systems for the ring mill; training for, and certification of, forklift operators; specific lockout/tagout and confined space entry procedures; and adequate housekeeping for the control of combustible dust accumulations.