Federal investigators have cited a Tomahawk paper mill for safety violations in the wake of a deadly storage tank explosion last July .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration alleges Packaging Corporation of America broke the rules by allowing welding near explosive material. Brad Mitchell is a spokesman for the U.S. Labor Department. Mitchell says one citation alleges supervisors didn't consider certain safety risks before allowing the welding to start. “Maintenance supervisors reviewing and authorizing a safe work permit did not include potential buildup of flammable gas in their consideration,” says Mitchell.
OSHA fined PCA more than $22,000 for the violations. Mitchell says the company has until February 8th to pay or appeal. Something caused an internal explosion in the tank that ripped off the lid, killing three men and injuring a fourth. The company declined comment.
