Another large dust explosion occurred with reported 38 serious injured and 5 missing I hate that it took more death, destruction and injuries a to bring this back to the table but this time not only will the U.S. Chemical Safety Board but the Committee for Education and Labor have taken action.
U.S. Chemical Safety Board sent out 6 man (women) team to investigate an explosion at the Imperial Sugar refinery in Port Wentworth, Georgia. The press release reminds us that there have been extensive research and previous investigations in dealing with dust explosions. with 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 killing 119 workers and injuring 718.
The Committee for Education and Labor are recommending, in a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao, that immediate steps need to be taken to prevent hazards that likely deadly explosions like that of the Imperial Sugar refinery.
U.S. Rep. George Miller stated,
“Our sympathies go out to the people of Savannah who are dealing with a workplace disaster that should have been prevented. As last night’s tragic explosion shows, combustible dust hazards are a major problem in U.S. industry,”
Rep. Lynn Woolsey says,
“OSHA should stop dragging its feet and immediately begin work on developing a mandatory standard to protect workers. The Chemical Safety Board recommended such a standard over a year ago. Voluntary standards exist, but they are not enough – they must be made mandatory.”
Our hearts and prayers go out to families, friends and coworkers!
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