OSHA finds Zimmer TMT $56,000 for workers lacked training and plan to respond
January 22, 2015
OSHA finds Zimmer TMT workers lacked training and plan to respond when chlorine gas leaked at Parsippany, New Jersey plant.
"Accidental leak sickens 4 employees and results in $56,000 in fines
PARSIPPANY, N.J. – Workers were unprepared to respond to an accidental release of dangerous chlorine gas, leading to the evacuation and emergency medical treatment for several employees at Zimmer TMT's plant in Parsippany, an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration found.
Employees were moving a chlorine gas cylinder without a valve protective cap on Sept. 13, 2014, when the container fell and began to leak. Lacking training in how to respond, no emergency response plan in place and inadequate respiratory protection, the workers were sickened as they tried to contain the leak.
Four workers were transported to the hospital for observation and were treated and released later that day. Multiple workers were evaluated by Emergency Medical Services at the scene but did not require hospitalization."
"Zimmer TMT is in the business of healthcare and should be aware of the potential health and safety hazards to which its employees could be exposed," said Kris Hoffman, director of OSHA's Parsippany Area Office. "Chlorine gas is poisonous and can cause death. Employers using highly hazardous chemicals absolutely must be prepared for emergencies, and this company clearly was not."
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