Salem, Ore.-Oregon OSHA has fined Americold Logistics, the largest provider of temperature-controlled food distribution services in the country, nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in safety and health violation penalties for not having proper anhydrous ammonia safeguards in place to protect workers at its Milwaukie, Ore., location. “Ammonia carries significant risks to workers, particularly in large quantities,” said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. “Due to the size of this facility, there is the potential for a large-scale release.” The company has 30 days to appeal the citations, which incurred a total fine of $740,400. Americold Logistics was cited for 10 willful violations, four serious repeat violations, and 22 other serious violations of the Oregon Safe Employment Act. The bulk of the violations are related to the company’s system for handling anhydrous ammonia. Among other issues, the inspection identified excessive ice build-up, creating the potential for system damage, and in some instances encasing valves, making it difficult, if not impossible, to close them in the event of an emergency. Significant corrosion of pipes and missing drain valve plugs were also identified, both of which inspectors said made ammonia release more likely. Oregon OSHA previously conducted an accident investigation at the Milwaukie location in 2007 after two employees were sent to the hospital following an ammonia compressor explosion. As a result of that inspection, which was limited in scope, 18 violations were issued.
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