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Fatal fire at cosmetics firm leads to OSHA citations

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Fatal fire at cosmetics firm leads to OSHA citations

U.S. workplace safety regulators have cited and proposed fines totaling $281,220 against a New York cosmetics manufacturer after a fatal fire.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited New Windsor, New York-based Verla International Ltd. after investigating the cosmetics manufacturer following the November incident in which an employee was fatally injured in a fire, according to a statement on Friday.

The company was cited for 11 violations for fall and compressed air hazards, and for failing to ensure proper electrical grounding and bonding to prevent flammable vapors from igniting; properly dispose of flammable materials; develop and implement an emergency response plan; provide employees with first responder awareness level training; and record a workplace fatality in its OSHA illness and injury log, according to the statement.

The Verla fire prompted Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., to lobby for new protocols for communicating and training with local governments and first responders, particularly when a company in their area is hit with a serious citation.

“An employer’s adherence to safety and health standards, including the proper and safe transfer of flammable liquids, is critical to preventing fire, explosions and other incidents that can seriously or fatally injure workers,” Robert Garvey, OSHA’s Albany, New York, area office director, said in the statement.

He also noted that OSHA cited the company in 2013 for similar violations.

A company spokesperson could not be immediately reached for comment.

 

 

 

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