Louisiana Company Cited for Health Violations

A flavoring manufacturer in Oakdale, La., has been cited by the U.S. Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration after a fire last year severely burned a worker.

OSHA on Monday cited Carol Callahan, doing business as Natural Advantage, for 19 serious violations at the facility. Proposed penalties total $91,000.

“Natural Advantage violated various OSHA standards that, when followed, can protect workers from exposure to hazardous chemicals,” said Dorinda Folse, OSHA’s area director in Baton Rouge. “Employers must find and fix hazards to ensure the safety and well-being of their workforce.”

The alleged violations include overexposure to methylene chloride; failing to provide each worker with an appropriate respirator; and failing to implement procedures to detect chemical leaks. Additionally, respiratory hazards were not evaluated and an appropriately trained worker did not administer the respiratory program.

In addition, OSHA said the company exposed workers to numerous safety violations involving the hazards of flammable liquids and reactive chemicals including failing to ensure the proper construction of a flammable storage room.

Natural Advantage employs about 90 workers. The company makes different food and drink flavorings.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s Baton Rouge area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.