MADISON COUNTY, Miss. - Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigators may wind up fining the W.S. Red Hancock firm of Bentonia nearly $200K for violations that led to a 2022 deadly explosion in Madison County. That blast killed one and injured six other workers at a saltwater disposal site last July. The cause had not previously been reported, but OSHA investigators have determined the workers were welding pipes to connect two saltwater disposal tanks to install a catwalk. That welding ignited a flammable substance either inside the tank or around it, which led to the explosion. The federal agency's investigation shows seven violations of agency standards, five of which could lead to fines against the company. OSHA’s investigation remains open, meaning some of these fines could be dismissed or others added. The most egregious fine revolved around the failure to clean those tanks of flammable substances or filling them with water before welding. That fine could cost W.S. Red Hancock Inc. more than $156,000. The company is contesting the fines. (WLBT 05/02/23) Exclusive: OSHA could levy hefty fines against Bentonia company following deadly Madison County explosion (wlbt.com)
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