OSHA Fines Illinois Pasta Plant After Explosion

Federal workplace-safety officials are levying a $231,000 fine against a company that operates a southern Illinois pasta plant for violations linked to an explosion that injured two workers last October.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced the penalties Tuesday. The agency says the fine stems from six safety violations at Gilster-Mary Lee Corp.’s plant in Steeleville.

Two workers at the plant were doing equipment maintenance last Oct. 6 when a welding spark caused an operational dust collector to explode, severely burning those workers.

Officials at Gilster-Mary Lee Corp. say the company doesn’t agree with all of OSHA’s findings but will continue to provide a safe workplace while looking for improvements.

Steeleville is about 65 miles southeast of St. Louis.