Workers at Wisc. plant burned by acid after company ignores its own policy
Seven workers at a South Milwaukee manufacturing plant directed to clean up after an acid spill suffered burns and other injuries, resulting in six OSHA violations and proposed penalties of $166,000.
The incident at Cooper Power Systems LLC occurred on Oct. 30, 2013, when approximately 15-20 gallons of phosphoric/sulfuric acid were released from an overpressurized hose at the facility. OSHA's investigation found that employees were directed to perform clean-up operations despite the company's written policy to bring in qualified outside services for this type of work. Following the cleanup, the employees started to experience symptoms of exposure to acid, including shortness of breath, headache, skin irritation and burns. The respiratory distress victim required urgent medical care.