Federal investigation finds RM Palmer did not evacuate West Reading candy plant before gas leak explosion fatally injured 7 workers

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Summary:

In March 2023, an explosion at R.M. Palmer Co.'s West Reading facility in Pennsylvania killed seven workers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the company failed to evacuate employees after some reported smelling gas prior to the explosion. OSHA found that the company did not follow required safety procedures, including not evacuating workers, not marking emergency exit signs clearly, and improper use of flexible cords. As a result, the agency cited the company under its general duty clause and for recordkeeping violations. the company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties or contest the findings before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.