OSHA Issues $1 Million Fine for Fatal Colorado Tunnel Fire

March 25, 2008
OSHA proposed more than $1 million in penalties against two companies involved in a fatal tunnel fire that caused the death of five workers in 2007.

RPI Coating Inc., of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., faces fines totaling $845,100 while Xcel Energy received $189,900 in penalties. The companies were cited for alleged serious and willful violations of federal workplace safety and health standards, which OSHA said contributed to the tunnel fire tragedy.

“This catastrophe could have been avoided if the companies had followed their critical safety procedures,” said OSHA Administrator Edwin G. Foulke Jr.

The fire started Oct. 2 at the Xcel Energy Cabin Creek hydroelectric plant in Georgetown, Colo., while employees were in a tunnel cleaning a sprayer with a flammable solvent. When vapor from the solvent ignited, five employees working deep inside the tunnel died from asphyxiation.

RPI received 13 willful citations with proposed penalties totaling $778,500. These include three per-instance willful citations alleging that RPI brought unsafe electrical equipment into the tunnel. In addition, the company received 10 willful citations, which include:

  • unsafe handling of flammable liquids;
  • failure to provide employees with adequate ventilation;
  • failure to install carbon monoxide alarms;
  • failure to arrange for emergency response in the event of an accident;
  • failure to provide training regarding worksite chemical hazards; and
  • a lack of fire extinguishers in the work area.

RPI also received 25 serious citations with penalties totaling $66,600 that include alleged fall hazards, unsafe storage of flammable liquids outside the tunnel and improper respiratory protection, OSHA said.

Xcel Energy was issued two willful citations with proposed penalties of $126,000 for failing to take precautions to protect employees from hazards in the tunnel and to arrange for rescue services. OSHA also dealt 19 serious citations to Xcel, with proposed penalties totaling $63,900. These citations include alleged fall hazards, unsafe storage of compressed gas and electrical hazards.

Dick Kelly, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Xcel Energy, said the company needed more time to review OSHA's report before commenting specifically on its findings. He did say that while he respected OSHA’s work during the investigation, he disagrees “with any statement that implies we acted without regard to the safety of our employees and contract workers.”

Attempts to contact RPI Coating, formerly known as Robinson-Prezioso Inc., were unsuccessful.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!