Ungerer workers exposed to chemical hazards, other safety and health dangers

OSHA cites Ungerer & Company, global flavor, fragrance manufacturer, for exposing workers to chemical hazards, other safety and health dangers

Citations issued: On May 25, 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration issued one repeat and six serious violations, and one other-than-serious violation.

Inspection findings: OSHA received a referral on Jan. 27, 2016, from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency alleging Ungerer & Company employees suffered respiratory distress from an unknown chemical odor, prompting an investigation.

The agency found repeat violations when the employer failed to use approved electrical equipment to clean up combustible dust, and did not train employees expected to participate in emergency response operations. Similar violations were previously cited in 2013.

The serious violations included:

1. A mobile ladder stand not equipped with safety stops to prevent horizontal movement.
2. A dust collection unit handling combustible dust not provided with proper explosion protection or suppression systems.
3. No developed emergency response plan.
4. Employees overexposed to hydrogen sulfide.
5. Feasible administrative and engineering controls not implemented.
6. Safety data sheets not maintained and without required safety and health information.

The company also did not conduct periodic re-evaluations of its hazardous energy control program, resulting in the other-than-serious citation.

Quote: “Ungerer & Company should immediately implement safeguards to protect its workers from the dangerous risks associated with exposure to combustible dust and chemical hazards,” said Jean Kulp, director of OSHA’s Allentown Area Office. “Employers will be held legally accountable for failing to provide a safe and healthful workplace.”

Proposed penalties: $63,450

The citations can be viewed at:
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/UngererCompany_1116984.pdf
http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/UngererCompany_1133193.pdf

The employer has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independentOccupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

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NJ company cited by OSHA for willfully exposing workers to diacetyl

A Somerset County New Jersey flavoring and fragrance manufacturer exposed workers to respiratory and other workplace safety and health hazards. These exposures have created a new wave of occupation litigation by injured workers and their families.

Flavorings and Fragrances: A Newly Engineered Problem in the Workplace

Flavorings and fragrances have ben a perennial problem in the workplace. They have created and contributed to occupational exposures and diseases. Some exposure have led to civil lawsuits, beyond workers' compensation claims. Today's post is shared from nytimes.org

Vanilla, saffron, patchouli. For centuries, spices and flavorings like these have come from exotic plants growing in remote places like the jungles of Mexico or the terraced hillsides of Madagascar. Some were highly prized along ancient trading routes like the Silk Road. Now a powerful form of genetic engineering could revolutionize the production of some of the most sought-after flavors and fragrances. Rather than being extracted from plants, they are being made by genetically modified yeast or other micro-organisms cultured in huge industrial vats. “It’s just like brewing beer, but rather than spit out alcohol, the yeast spits out these products,” said Jay D. Keasling, a co-founder of Amyris, a company based here that is a pioneer in the field. However, while yeast makes alcohol naturally, it would not produce the spices without the extensive genetic rejiggering, which is called synthetic biology. The advent of synthetic biology raises thorny economic and regulatory issues, such as whether such yeast-made ingredients can be called natural and whether developing countries dependent on these crops will be hurt. Supporters say the technique could benefit food and cosmetic companies, and...

[Click here to see the rest of this post]

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Jon L. Gelman of Wayne NJ is the author NJ Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson) and co-author of the national treatise, Modern Workers’ Compensation Law (West-Thompson). For over 4 decades the Law Offices of Jon L Gelman  1.973.696.7900  jon@gelmans.com  have been representing injured workers and their families who have suffered occupational accidents and illnesses.

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