Cortec agrees to $250,000 OSHA fine after explosion in Spooner (forced a mile area evacuation)

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.businessnorth.com/kuws.asp?RID=2625

Story posted Wednesday at 5:57 p.m.

11/13/2008

More than six months after an explosion injured two workers and forced a mile area evacuation, a Spooner company has agreed to a settlement with the Department of Labor. Rich Kremer reports.

Cortec Spray Technologies has agreed to an informal settlement with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The March 18th explosion destroyed the production building and left two workers in serious condition. OSHA originally proposed $424,000 in fines against Cortec for multiple federal safety violations but last month agreed to a lesser fine of $250,000. That’s contingent with Cortec’s promise to immediately bring the company into compliance. OSHA spokesperson Scott Allen says the administration is more concerned about workers’ safety than collecting fines.

“We’re out to ensure the safety of the workers. So if we take a little less money and the company does the proper thing than I think it’s the best situation for everyone.”

Cortec is currently making payments towards the $250,000 fine and is bringing its plant into safety compliance. Allen hopes that the Cortec fine will deter other companies from flouting the rules.

FULL story at link.