MEI Holdings Inc. has agreed to hire a full-time safety and health director, implement a comprehensive safety and health program and provide training to all of its production employees as part of a final settlement agreement reached with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The company will also pay $300,000 in penalties for safety and health violations at its Perry, Fla., plant.
"By agreeing to resolve this matter and implement new programs, MEI has taken major steps to improve the safety and health of their employees," said OSHA Administrator John L. Henshaw. "This tells us they are serious about improving working conditions at their facility."
The agreement settles citations issued by OSHA against MEI Holdings Inc., (doing business as Martin Electronics) on Oct. 30, 2000, following an explosion that destroyed a building used for drying wet composition of potentially volatile chemicals that are used for infrared decoy flares. The explosion claimed the life of one employee and seriously injured another.
"We can never turn back the clock and replace a lost life or even make up for injuries that resulted from this tragic accident," said Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. "However, we can lead by example to prevent future accidents and MEI has shown a willingness to eliminate hazards and better protect their employees."
MEI Holdings employs about 285 workers at the Perry facility. The company manufactures and supplies military pyrotechnics/explosives to the Department of Defense.
edited by Sandy Smith ([email protected])