Bayer contests OSHA charges, fine

BAYTOWN, Texas (Jan. 15)—Bayer Corp. will contest a federal agency ruling that resulted in a $136,000 fine for allegedly exposing workers to a dangerous chemical and six other charges. The Pittsburgh-based company was cited Dec. 19 by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration after the agency completed its investigation of a spill at Bayer´s Baytown plant. The probe, which began July 6, was spurred by a worker´s charge that employees had been exposed to methylenedianiline, a chemical used to make polyurethane, at the facility. The firm allegedly inadequately monitored and controlled worker exposure to MDA during the cleanup process following the incident at the site in June. Bayer filed a notice of contest to the OSHA citation Jan. 15, pointing out that it has cooperated fully with the agency during the investigation and "expects to engage in further discussions with OSHA to resolve this issue and address the agency´s concerns." Bayer Corp. "is one of the safest large companies in one of the country´s safest industries," Ron Fuchs, executive vice president and chief technology officer, maintained in a prepared statement. After the firm was fined, its options included paying the fine, contesting the citations and penalties before an independent OSHA board, or requesting a hearing on the matter, the Bayer spokesman said.