The Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Federal regulators on Monday proposed more than $1 million in penalties against the two companies involved in a Colorado fire that killed five workers in October.
The Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration proposed $845,100 in penalties against RPI Coating Inc. and $189,900 against Xcel Energy “for alleged serious and willful violations of federal workplace safety and health standards.”
The fire began Oct. 2 at the Xcel Energy Cabin Creek hydroelectric plant in Georgetown, Colo., while employees were in a tunnel cleaning a sprayer with a flammable solvent. Vapor from the solvent ignited and five employees working deep inside the tunnel died from asphyxiation.
“This catastrophe could have been avoided if the companies had followed their critical safety procedures,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Edwin G. Foulke Jr. “There should never be such a disregard for the safety of employees. Today’s citations should serve as a reminder to all employers about the critical need to always provide a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.”
Santa Fe Springs, Calif.-based RPI declined to comment.
Dick Kelly, president, chairman and CEO of Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy, said the company was studying OSHA’s statement but disagreed with any findings that implied the company acted without regard to the workers’ safety.