With new administration, new rules coming on deadly dust

The Obama administration is putting its stamp on workplace safety regulations, announcing a crackdown on combustible dust, the cause of last year's deadly explosion at Savannah's Imperial Sugar refinery. Fourteen people died and dozens were injured in the blast.

Officials with the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration announced a "comprehensive rulemaking" process for combustible dust. The action could result in regulations for combustible dust. The hazard is currently regulated under broader, less specific regulations.

“Over the years, combustible dust explosions have caused many deaths and devastating injuries that could have been prevented,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis. “OSHA is reinvigorating the process to ensure workers receive the protection they need while also ensuring that employers have the tools needed to make their workplaces safer.”

Last year, the U.S. House passed legislation that would have required OSHA to beef up its combustible dust regulations. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board recommended in 2006 that the agency pursue such new regulations. But the legislation stalled in the Senate when the Bush administration made it clear that the President would veto it.

Imperial Sugar responded to the rulemaking process with an embrace.

"Imperial applauds this action as a milestone step toward elevating the awareness of this industrial hazard and the clear articulation of best practices," says Imperial President and CEO John Sheptor. "We have advocated for such a regulation since our February 2008 Georgia tragedy as a critical catalyst to transform the way that dust is managed across numerous U.S. industries."

OSHA fined Imperial Sugar $8.8 million because of what they agency said was egregious violations of workplace safety regulations. Victims of last year's disaster and their families are suing the company. The plantiffs' lawyers have said new regulations would not have prevented the explosion because Imperial Sugar ignored existing regulations.

Imperial Sugar has appealed the fine. A company spokesman recently outlined worker safety steps the company took before the explosion. These included $1.7 million in safety upgrades.