The North Carolina Labor Department (NCLD) said it had found 26 serious violations and one non-serious violation following its investigation into the blast at the Garner facility on 9 June. The safety body has issued fines against the food company totalling $134,773.
The department also cited Energy Systems Analysts, a subcontractor working at the plant, for 28 serious violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The company faces penalties of $58,100.
Explosion
The NCLD report confirmed the initial conclusions of the US Chemical Safety Board on 18 June which proposed the explosion was triggered when workmen vented natural gas inside the building’s pump room while purging a gas line. The explosion caused extensive damage to the 500,000 square metre-plant that employs 900 workers and produces Slim Jim meats.
"The blast initially killed three ConAgra employees who were struck by debris or crushed when part of the building collapsed", said a NCLD statement. A fourth person, who was working for Energy Systems Analysts, died in late November from injuries associated with the explosion. More than 200 people were working in the plant when the explosion in the packaging area caused part of the roof to collapse.
The report from the safety watchdog listed a slew of infringements that included failing to follow safety procedures, faulty alarm systems and not maintaining a workplace free of serious health hazards.
It recorded that on the 9 June at 9.45am a “contractor was attempting to light the “Maxi-Miser on demand natural gas fired water heater in the presence of ConAgra management”. The “improper purging” of the fuel pipe allowed “5 PSI of a pressurized air mixture containing natural gas to be released in an enclosed room that contained ignition sources including unclassified electrical equipment such as motors and panels”.
Fines
For this and 14 other serious violations relating to this work, ConAgra was fined $6,300 per breach. The maximum penalty for each serious violation is $7,000. The NCLD explained factors such as the size of the business, its level of co-operation with the inquiry and history of previous violations were taken into account when determining the fines. It added: “The penalties are not designed in any way to make up for injuries suffered or the loss of life.”
A ConAgra spokeswoman told FoodProductionDaily.Com: “Since the accident, we have worked closely and fully cooperated with the agency throughout its investigation. We are reviewing their comments and findings, but cannot comment on them at this time. As appropriate, we will follow up with the agency on any possible next steps.”