OSHA cites Anchor Glass for three serious safety violations

Proposed penalties total $20,000, said OSHA spokesman Mike Wald.



Anchor Glass employee Jason Talton was injured in a flash fire about 1:20 a.m. July 20 at an outside propane filling station. The station is located in a non-production area outside of the plant where employees refuel tanks for forklifts.



Talton, who could not be reached for comment, was treated at the Joseph M. Still Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta for his injuries.



Anchor Glass, located at 1044 Booth Road, failed to provide initial training for powered industrial truck operators in refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries for fork trucks used, according to a copy of the Nov. 8 Citation and Notification of Penalty.



As a result, employees were exposed to burn hazards as they refilled propane fuel tanks used on forklifts at the facility on July 20, the document stated.



Anchor Glass also failed to provide training at the Warner Robins job site on the use of fire extinguishers to employees expected to use them on the initial stage of a fire.



In addition, the company did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are, or were likely to be, present that necessitate the use of personal protective equipment.



A hazard analysis was not performed to determine what personal protective equipment would be required to protect employees assigned to refill propane tanks for use on forklifts against the hazards of frost bite, the document stated. Also related, the company did not require employees to use appropriate gloves for protection against hazards such skin absorption of harmful substances, severe cuts or lacerations, severe abrasions, punctures, chemical burns, thermal burns and harmful temperature extremes.



OSHA cannot elaborate on the violations in light of a pending informal conference between Anchor Glass and OSHA’s area director, Wald said.



Anchor Glass had 15 business days from receipt of the Citation and Notification of Penalty to comply, to request an informal conference or to contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, Wald said.



An informal conference has been scheduled for Tuesday, Wald said.



Anchor Glass may reach an informal settlement or decide to contest the citations and proposed penalties, Wald said.



Jeff Gordon, human resources manager for Anchor Glass, released the following statement in connection with the Citation and Notice of Penalty:



“Anchor Glass’s first priority is the protection of the safety and health of its employees. We take these obligations seriously. We are committed to working cooperatively with OSHA and our employees to achieve our mutual health and safety goals. We have reviewed the citation items carefully and will be meeting to discuss those with OSHA next week. Our plant continues to be safe and productive.”



Gordon said Friday the cause of the fire has not been determined, and the company’s investigation has not been completed.