Combustible dust fire brings OSHA to Wisconsin dairy company
OSHA has cited Milk Specialties Co. with three safety violations, including one willful violation for combustible dust hazards. OSHA opened an inspection following a report of a fire resulting from a dust explosion in a machine at the company's Fond du Lac facility, which converts liquid whey products into dried whey protein concentrate powder. Proposed fines total $72,000.
A willful violation is one committed with intentional, knowing or voluntary disregard for the law's requirements, or plain indifference to employee safety and health. In addition to the willful violation, the inspection found two other-than-serious violations that involve failing to properly maintain OSHA 300 logs for 2011 describing days lost by employees or days when work activities were restricted.