US OSHA may fine Lion Copolymer $182,000 for workplace violations

13 April 2011 22:01  [Source: ICIS news]

TORONTO (ICIS)--The US Department of Labor is proposing to fine Lion Copolymer $182,000 (€125,580) for workplace violations at a plant in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to which officials at the company did not immediately respond on Wednesday.

Lion Copolymer, a synthetic rubber manufacturer, employs about 120 workers at its Baton Rouge facility.

The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said following an investigation that began last October, it is citing Lion for one wilful, 19 serious and three other-than-serious violations for exposing workers to possible fires, explosions and other hazardous conditions.

The wilful violation is cited for failing to conduct adequate maintenance and inspections of critical valves, OSHA said.

A wilful violation is one committed with intentional knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or with plain indifference to worker safety and health, the agency said.

Lion has 15 business days to comply or to contest the citations and proposed penalty, OSHA said.

($1 = €0.69)

By: Stefan Baumgarten
+1 713 525 2653

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