Region 2 News Release: 10-740-NEW (osha 10-75)
June 1, 2010
Contact: Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5102
E-mail: uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Linden, NJ, manufacturer for exposing employees to chemical hazards

LINDEN, N.J. - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Infineum USA L.P. for 22 workplace safety violations, including exposing employees to chemical hazards, at the company's Linden facility. Proposed penalties total $88,500.

OSHA initiated its inspection on Nov. 24, 2009, in response to a complaint related to a chlorine release at the facility. As a result of the inspection, the company has received citations for violations related to a deficient process safety management system. Among the hazards observed by OSHA inspectors was the company's failure to establish and implement written procedures required to manage any changes to technology, facilities, equipment and procedures that can potentially impact a chemical process.

"Chlorine is a highly hazardous chemical that can have a severe impact on employees' safety and health," said Patricia Jones, director of OSHA's Avenel Area Office. "All aspects of the OSHA process safety management standard must be followed by employers in order to ensure that workers go home safe at the end of the day."

The PSM is intended to prevent or minimize the consequences of a catastrophic release of toxic, reactive, flammable or explosive chemicals from a process. A process is any activity or combination of activities including any use, storage, manufacturing, handling or the on-site movement of highly hazardous chemicals.

Infineum USA L.P. is a manufacturer of petroleum additives with 262 employees at this site.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The investigation was conducted by OSHA's Avenel Area Office; telephone: 732-750-3270.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to assure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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