Westlake Chemicals Employers Face $139,000 Fine Over Explosion

Four employers at a Westlake Chemicals facility in Sulphur, La., face 11 serious violations and over $139,000 in total proposed fines after an explosion seriously injured six workers in September 2021, according to OSHA Thursday.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated an investigation following a flash fire and subsequent explosion that seriously injured six workers on Sept. 27, 2021. The incident occurred during preventive care and maintenance activities at the Westlake Chemicals Sulphur facility. The employers allegedly exposed workers to unsafe work practices, confined space permit violations, airborne concentrations of benzene, struck-by hazards, and flash fire and explosions hazards. ...