Candy factory didn’t evacuate concerned workers before Pennsylvania explosion that killed 7, OSHA finds

OSHA Reports No Employee Evacuation Prior to Deadly Explosion at Pennsylvania Chocolate Factory

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a statement asserting that a chocolate factory in eastern Pennsylvania failed to evacuate workers, despite reports of a gas odor, before a deadly explosion in March. The tragic incident resulted in the loss of seven lives and injured numerous others.

OSHA Cites Pennsylvania-based Candy Manufacturer

R.M. Palmer, a well-known candy manufacturer in Pennsylvania, has been cited by OSHA for not evacuating its workforce during a natural gas leak. The company was also faulted for not having properly marked exit signage and for the use of spliced flexible cords in their West Reading factory, according to an official OSHA citation.

"Seven workers never made it home because R.M. Palmer didn't clear the facility after a reported gas leak," cited Kevin T. Chambers, OSHA Area Director, in a recent press release. He continued, saying "Companies are not only expected but legally obliged to ensure workplace safety. By adhering to essential safety protocols, this horrific tragedy could have been avoided."

R.M. Palmer Factory Explosion Details and Aftermath

The catastrophic event took place just before 5 pm on March 24, utterly demolishing the R.M. Palmer facility and leaving the tight-knit community of West Reading astounded. For over 60 years, this town of approximately 4,500 residents has been the hub of R.M. Palmer's operations, a company renowned for producing holiday-themed chocolate treats.

The victims of the explosion were identified as Amy Sandoe, 49, of Ephrata; Domingo Cruz, 60, Reading; Xiorky D. Nunez, 30, of Reading; Susan H. Halvonik, 63, Upper Providence Township; Michael D Breedy, 62, Marion Township; Diana M. Cedeno, 44, of Reading; and Judith Lopez-Moran, 55, of Reading. Another eleven were hospitalized due to injuries sustained from the blast.

NTSB Investigation Findings

Following the explosion, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted an investigation that revealed two leaks in the natural gas service lines – one in a service tee fitted in 1982 with a top crack and another smaller leak in a service line installed in 2021, as stated in a NTSB report made in July.

R.M. Palmer's Response to OSHA Citations

In response to the citations and penalties proposed by OSHA, R.M. Palmer has issued a statement, expressing their disagreement with the allegations of workplace standards violation. The company further denounced OSHA's statements about the violations as "inflammatory, callous, and irresponsible."

R.M. Palmer maintained and emphasized that the mentioned gas leaks were not within the company's premises but rather under a public street, as the July NTSB update did not specify that the leaks were inside any of their buildings.

"Without the completion of the NTSB's comprehensive investigation, there isn't a valid basis to assess OSHA's claim that an evacuation could have prevented the unfortunate loss of seven lives," stated R.M. Palmer.

The company, in operation since 1948, also mentioned that it has already contested the proposed penalties and citations from OSHA totaling $44,483. R.M. Palmer has approximately 850 employees across North America.