Region 5 News Release: 11-1331-CHI
Sept. 19, 2011
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976 312-353-4807
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Department of Labor's OSHA cites City Brewing Co. in La Crosse, Wis.,
for exposing workers to ammonia, other hazards; proposed fines total $108,000

LA CROSSE, Wis. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited City Brewing Co. LLC for 16 serious safety violations at its La Crosse brewery. These include, among others, a failure to comply with the requirements of OSHA's process safety management standard, which resulted in workers being exposed to ammonia during maintenance of pipe lines. The company faces $108,000 in proposed fines.

"Failing to follow process safety management procedures to reduce workers' exposure to hazardous chemicals such as ammonia is unacceptable," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "Employers have a responsibility to ensure that work environments are healthful and safe."

The violations cited are for failing to ensure employee participation in a process safety management program; evaluate contractors' safety performance; conduct a process safety management compliance audit; perform inspections and tests to maintain mechanical integrity of equipment such as a reciprocating compressor, and pressure relief and solenoid valves; and implement and train employees in an emergency response plan. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The citations are available at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/CityBrewingCompanyLLC_313137804_0914_11.pdf*.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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. Employers and employees with questions regarding workplace safety and health standards can call OSHA's Madison Area Office at 608-441-5388. To report workplace incidents, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, call the agency's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance: Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.