Labor & Employment Law Daily Wrap Up, OSHA NEWS—Agency cites $312K in penalties for fire, explosion, burn, respirable crystalline silica hazards, (Jul 16, 2025)

By Pamela Wolf, J.D.

Employees were hospitalized, seriously injured in fire-related incidents.

In separate developments, OSHA cited employers in Georgia and Florida with proposed penalties totaling $279,001 for exposing workers to fire, explosion, burn, and inhalation-related safety hazards, among others, that resulted in serious injuries to employees. Another Georgia employer will pay $33,000 in penalties to resolve citations related to employees’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

Two workers seriously injured in fire and explosion. OSHA cited Keystone Foods, a distributor for Tyson Foods, with a serious violation under the OSH Act’s general duty clause, and proposed penalties of $16,550 for allegedly failing to protect employees against fire and explosion hazards at its Camilla, Georgia, poultry plant. In December 2024, investigators determined that two workers at the plant—a wholly owned subsidiary of Tyson Foods Inc.—were seriously burned when a hose filled with oil ruptured, igniting the oil mist and causing a fire and explosion in the boiler room. Keystone Foods did not ensure workers followed proper internal procedures nor the manufacturer’s guidelines when conducting maintenance on its boiler pump, OSHA concluded.

Fire-related hospitalizations, other injuries. The health and safety agency cited Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc. for one willful and six serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $262,451, after the Orlando, Florida, target-missile manufacturer allegedly exposed workers to fire, burn, and inhalation hazards, following a December 2024 fire at its facility. Two employees were hospitalized and others were injured as a result of the incident. Investigators found that two employees were severely burned, and another sustained injuries from burns and smoke inhalation while working on a missile component. The employer exposed other workers to burn and inhalation hazards from incorrectly stored and handled explosives and from failing to classify the physical hazards of a highly reactive chemical, according to OSHA.

Respirable crystalline silica hazards. Brazilian Stone Design LLC will pay $33,000 in penalties after OSHA found the Powder Springs, Georgia, manufacturer, which fabricates and sells kitchen and bathroom countertops, exposed workers to respirable crystalline silica. The agency gave the employer seven serious citations for allegedly exposing workers to high airborne concentrations of respirable crystalline silica and failing to require the use of respirators; perform fit testing and training for workers wearing respirators; conduct air monitoring; and administer an effective hearing conservation program.

Comply or contest. Keystone Foods and Aerojet Roketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc. have 15 business days from receipt of their citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Companies: Brazilian Stone Design LLC; Keystone Foods; Tyson Foods Inc.; Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc.

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