Lion Copolymer cooperating with OSHA, evaluating citations

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Baton Rouge, Louisiana -- Synthetic rubber manufacturer Lion Copolymer LLC said it is reviewing the 23 citations the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued against the company and evaluating its options as to how to proceed.

Executives of Lion Copolymer will meet informally with OSHA officials today (April 18) to discuss the citations and the $182,000 fine the agency has recommended against the company, according to a Lion Copolymer press release.

Lion Copolymer has cooperated fully with OSHA since the agency began its investigation of the company's Baton Rouge plant last October, according to the release.

“Providing a safe workplace is a top priority for Lion Copolymer,” the company said. “We strive to operate in a safe, responsible manner which respects the environment and the health of our associates, customers and the communities where we operate.”

OSHA cited Lion Copolymer for one “willful” violation of failure to maintain or inspect critical valves; 19 “serious” violations involving ammonia piping and refrigeration among other things; and three “other-than-serious” violations involving injury and illness logs.

Lion Copolymer acquired its Baton Rouge facility from DSM Copolymer in 2005 when it purchased DSM's styrene-butadiene rubber business. The plant employs 122, according to an OSHA press release.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)