The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently cited ammunition manufacturer AMTEC Less Lethal Systems for exposing employees to explosive hazards after an explosion fatally injured two workers at the company’s facility in Perry, Florida. The manufacturer faces $188,290 in penalties for multiple serious violations and a willful violation that carries the maximum penalty allowed.
AMTEC Less Lethal Systems, which operates as PACEM Solutions International, was cited for failing to develop and implement change-management procedures when it increased the maximum explosive limits of pyrotechnic flash powder in or near the blast booths from 200 grams to 500 grams.
OSHA also cited the company for failing to maintain the engineer’s specifications for the blowout panels installed on the blast booths, using blast booths that did not comply with good engineering practices, and failing to train employees on the operating procedures for work in the diversion section production room.
"When employers disregard safety standards, they place their employees at risk," said Michelle Gonzalez, OSHA’s Jacksonville area director. "This tragedy could have been prevented if AMTEC had complied with OSHA standards."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
For more information, visit www.osha.gov.
