US Department of Labor investigation finds ADM failed to inspect, test critical safety systems in explosion that injured 3 workers at Decatur facility

Summary:

The report highlights an explosion at Archer-Daniels-Midland Company's West Plant on April 21, 2023, which resulted in hospitalization of three employees and significant damage to the grain elevator. The incident was attributed to the lack of preventative maintenance on the explosion suppression system of a bucket elevator, which had not been inspected or tested since 2016. As a result, OSHA cited the company for several health and safety violations and proposed $324,796 in penalties. This incident is the second in recent years, following a similar explosion at the East Campus in 2019, and emphasizes the importance of regular maintenance and testing to prevent such incidents. Additionally, OSHA is currently investigating another explosion and fire at the East Plant and has issued citations following the death of a locomotive cab operator at the East Soy Plant.