Cosmetics Factory Cited, Fined By OSHA For Fire, Explosion

NEW WINDSOR, NY — The federal government has fined an Orange County cosmetics manufacturer after an employee was killed in an explosion and fire. The U.S. Department of labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Verla International LTD and proposed fines of $281,220 for failing to protect its employees from dangerous chemicals and other hazards.

Around 10:15 a.m. Nov. 20, 2017, a large fire was reported at the commercial cosmetics company, located at 463 Temple Hill Road in New Windsor. William Huntington, 57, of Newburgh, was killed in the explosion and fire.

More than 120 people were injured, including seven firefighters.

OSHA investigated the explosion and fire and cited the company for 11 violations, including failing to ensure proper electrical grounding and bonding to prevent flammable vapors from igniting, properly dispose of flammable materials, develop and implement an emergency response plan, provide employees with first responder awareness level training and record a workplace fatality in its OSHA 300 illness and injury log.

OSHA Albany Area Office Director Robert Garvey said the agency cited the company in 2013 for similar violations.

“An employer’s adherence to safety and health standards, including the proper and safe transfer of flammable liquids, is critical to preventing fire, explosions and other incidents that can seriously or fatally injure workers,” he said.

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY, said the OSHA fines on Verla Cosmetics send a strong signal that businesses must take every precaution to protect their workers and first responders from fire threats.

“This tragic fire revealed a gaping hole in how OSHA alerts local first responders about dangerous safety violations involving combustible liquids,” he said. “Never again should our brave first responders be put in a situation where they walk blindly into a hazardous scene, and the hardworking employees who walk in and out of their workplaces each every day should feel safe on the job.”

Verla has 15 business days from receipt of OSHA’s 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.

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