A dust explosion at a plant in Florida sent four workers to the hospital. One had to be airlifted to a burn center for critical injuries.
Police in Port Panama City say the explosion happened in two dust collectors. An investigation will determine what triggered it.
Authorities say it started in an area where a coating is put on pipes.
The facility will be shut down for several days while OSHA investigates.
After going from three shifts to one and briefly shutting down in December, Monday — the day of the blast — was the first time that all three shifts were up and running again.
Federal statistics show, in a 25-year period, 281 combustible dust explosions and fires killed 119 workers and injured 718.
This week, our SafetyNewsAlert.com Quick Poll was on combustible dust. We asked: Do you think OSHA needs a new standard on combustible dust?
- 51% said no, OSHA should use its existing regulations, and
- 49% said yes, current regulations aren’t enough.
A total of 430 readers voted. Check our home page for a new poll later this week.