OSHA has cited Florida-based L.A. Disaster Relief and Property Maintenance after an employee suffered burn injuries at a sawmill worksite, the organization announced. The property maintenance contractor faces $94,415 in penalties.
Investigators determined the company owner directed the injured employee to ignite wood and debris inside an air burn box using a torch and gasoline, causing an explosion. OSHA said the company failed to implement a hazard communication program to familiarize employees with flammable and combustible dust hazards.
OSHA Jacksonville area office director Michelle Gonzalez said the owner’s “intentional disregard of the manufacturers’ safety instructions and failure to take proper safety measures” directly resulted in the employee’s injury. The company has 15 days from the receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with their OSHA area director, or contest the findings.
