Federal regulators have cited the Imperial Sugar Company for safety violations at its plant in Louisiana. An explosion at its plant near Savannah killed 13 workers last month.
The alleged violations in Louisiana include the use of dust collectors that were not equipped with an explosion protection system. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration also says, the company failed to store bags of sugar in a stable manner.
Imperial Sugar's C.E.O. says the company doesn't agree with the type and severity of the charges and likely will appeal them.
An investigation into the disaster at Port Wentworth near Savannah hasn't concluded yet, but many suspect the blast was fueled by volatile sugar dust in the air and ignited with some kind of a spark. The February 7th explosion prompted OSHA to inspect hundreds of plants that store combustible dust.
Meanwhile, Congress is considering stronger regulations for combustible dust.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Imperial Sugar cited for alleged violations in La.
