OSHA. It’s better to comply…

OSHA has proposed penalties of nearly $8.7 million against Imperial Sugar Co. and its two affiliates, alleging violations at their plants in Port Wentworth, Ga., and Gramercy, La.

The citations followed an explosion and fire on Feb. 7, 2008, at the Port Wentworth refinery that killed 13 employees and hospitalized 40 others. Three employees remain hospitalized.

According to OSHA, the proposed penalties against Sugar Land, Texas-based Imperial Sugar represent the third-largest fine in the agency’s history.

Imperial Sugar President and Chief Executive Officer John Sheptor issued a statement saying the company, which had 15 business days to contest the proposed penalties, has already filed a notice of contest with OSHA.

“In short, we believe that the facts do not merit the allegations made,” Mr. Sheptor said.

When applying for insurance, specifically for Workers Compensation, there is always a question whether your business entity has received a warning/penalty/fine/etc from OSHA.

Paperless Advise: Learn OSHA, implement OSHA, comply with OSHA