Arkansas Explosives Manufacturing Plant Cited

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the Austin Powder Co. for safety and health violations at its plant in East Camden.

OSHA said in a news release Thursday that 22 serious and one repeat safety and health violations were cited because of alleged deficiencies in chemical process safety management and for other safety hazards at the facility. OSHA proposed fines of $178,400.

A spokesman for the Cleveland-based company did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.

OSHA says Austin Powder manufactures industrial explosives and provides blasting services to customers nationwide

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with the area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.