Group of Companies Penalized for Violations
Several incidents in the past have involved the transportation of hazardous chemicals or flammable substances. During these incidents, fatalities arise and environmental damages were inflicted. Constant efforts are being placed in order to prevent incidents like these from happening again. Measures include training employees of proper handling, placing chemicals in favorable conditions, and informing all involved personnel of the transported chemicals. Though, due to the tedious nature, most companies have deliberately skipped the steps that are supposed to ensure the safety of the workers.
This was the case in a recent press release by the FAA. The organization conducted its usual inspection and found a total of seven companies involved in multiple violations leading to citations and penalties. The companies involved are New Chapter, Click Bond, All Tire Supply, Kretek International, Harland Clarke, Q.G. Investments, and Quimica Bicentenario. All of which are companies involved in the utilization and production of hazardous chemicals.
Four of the companies: New Chapter, Click Bond, All Tire Supply, and Kretek International, have acquired nearly the same violations. They were primarily found to have failed to accompany their chemical shipments with shipping papers. The papers were intended to indicate the hazardous nature of the contents in order to provide awareness to possible handlers and transporters. Additionally, the method of packaging was found to be non-compliant with the Hazardous Materials Regulations which greatly increased the risk of chemical leakage and explosion, fire and corrosion incidents.
Also, they were alleged to be incapable to act upon emergency situations since there was the lack of an emergency response information. Its main purpose is to inform employees of actions to be undertaken during accidents considering that certain chemicals that have caught fire cannot be extinguished with plain water. Employees themselves were also found to have been inadequately trained in hazardous materials handling.
The remaining three companies received nearly the same citations except for training violations on Q.G. Investments and packaging violations on Harland Clarke and Quimica Bicentenario. Penalties given to the seven companies ranged from $54,000 to $91,000.
The responsibility of ensuring safety and reliability of services should be strictly undertaken by companies. One of the steps to be undertaken is to ensure that employees are knowledgeable of their field, from hazards to proper procedures. In order to achieve such, training should be provided. To acquire training services, contact us at [email protected] or visit us at www.simplysafety.com.sg. You can also reach us at +65 62640889.
Contributor:
Raj singh
CEO
Consultant
Futurist and thought leader
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