Chemical products manufacturer AB Specialty Silicones LLC will pay $1.3 million in penalties after a 2019 explosion and fire at its Waukegan plant killed four workers.
OSHA found the company failed to ensure electrical equipment compliance and used propane forklifts near flammable liquids. Production of silicon-hydride emulsions has paused until a new process area is designed.
In the settlement, AB Specialty Silicones will:
- Develop a safety management system, emergency action plan, and conduct evacuation drills.
- Provide multilingual safety training and require management training on flammables.
- Purchase appropriate industrial trucks for flammable materials.
- Audit its health and safety certification at all sites and hire consultants for electrical hazard analysis.
- Allow OSHA to inspect facilities without a warrant.
The penalty will be paid in 12 quarterly installments through September 2027, with the full amount due if any payment is missed.
