Fatal Explosion at ‘Texas’ Musical Venue Leads to OSHA Citations

February 5, 2016

Federal safety regulators have cited a performing arts employer after 21-year-old worker died following a pyrotechnics explosion at a musical venue in Canyon, Texas.

Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation Inc. was cited for six serious violations as a result of the fireworks explosion at the Palo Duro Canyon State Park in Canyon, Texas, that fatally injured a 21-year-old worker who was taking an inventory of the pyrotechnics for the outdoor musical production, “Texas.”

An Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspection resulted in six serious citations for failing to train workers on the use of explosives, provide fire retardant clothing, perform a hazard assessment and develop a written hazard communication program. Proposed penalties total $42,000.

Texas Panhandle Heritage Foundation, has 15 business days from receipt of its citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the citations and penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA