DuPont cited for serious violations after failing to protect workers from hazardous chemicals at New Jersey plant

E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. was cited for eight serious violations after an OSHA inspection found workers at the company’s Deepwater, N.J., plant were exposed to hazardous chemicals that leaked from a tanker truck. The chemicals are known to cause severe burns, respiratory and reproductive health issues. The inspection was prompted under OSHA’s National Emphasis Program on Chemical Process Safety after a complaint was filed. Proposed penalties total $120,300.

"The chemicals used at the Deepwater plant are corrosive and volatile," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's Area Office in Marlton. "Releasing toxic, reactive or flammable liquid can cause serious injury and death. It's vital that DuPont recognize these hazards and take the steps necessary to prevent situations like this tanker truck leak."

In addition to serious violations cited under the process safety management standard, OSHA also cited DuPont for failing to perform an analysis addressing hazards related to the storage and transport of chemicals, failing to inspect and test the equipment used in chemical processes, and not addressing issues relating to hazards promptly. For more information, read the news release.