WASHINGTON – In response to a report released today by the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) regarding the October 9, 2012 explosion at the US Ink manufacturing facility in East Rutherford, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker called for new action to protect worker safety. In a letter sent today to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Booker called for OSHA to issue a standard to prevent combustible dust fires and explosions in manufacturing facilities.
In the letter Sen. Booker wrote:
“The importance of addressing workplace safety for our nation’s workers is too great to ignore. I echo the recommendation of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board that OSHA issue a standard designed to prevent combustible dust fires. By implementing an industry wide safety standard for combustible dust, we can prevent future workers from putting themselves in harm’s way.”
The 2012 incident at the US Ink/Sun Chemical Corporation was caused by an explosion of combustible dust near the ink mixing tanks. The explosion led to two flash fires and caused burn injuries to seven employees.
The full content of the letter can be viewed here.