Worthington, Minn.-As many as 51 employees were transported to a local hospital June 2 after an overhead anhydrous ammonia pipe broke, releasing fumes in a work section of the JBS Swift meat packing plant here. Sanford Regional Hospital reported treating those brought in for respiratory complaints, nausea, dizziness, and weakness from ammonia exposure, and admitting five of the 51 for further evaluation. They were all discharged by late the next day. Worthington Public Safety Director Michael Cumiskey, who set up a command post at police headquarters, issued a statement that the leak was contained when emergency staff arrived on scene. Areas affected by the leak were evacuated but have since resumed operation, and the plant reportedly is back in full operation. Minnesota OSHA immediately announced that it was opening its investigation by first interviewing employees at the scene of the release. Spokesman James Honerman said OSHA conducted a similar investigation of an ammonia release in January 2008 that sent 34 to the hospital when a drain valve ruptured from over-pressuring. The company was fined $3,500 for two safety violations. Honerman said it’s unclear if the June 2 release had anything to do with a faulty valve.
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