Owner says Galva explosion isn't linked to OSHA violations

Investigators blame a malfunctioning machine for creating a spark that set off multiple dust explosions inside the All-Feed Processing and Packaging plant in Galva early Tuesday. Three employees were treated and released for various injuries from the blasts.

The incident took place while the company faces thousands of dollars in fines for 28 OSHA health and safety violations.

OSHA inspectors were back at the plant on Tuesday and trying to determine if the explosions are linked to the violations issued in January.

"Three explosions. You could have had even loss of life," said Galva Fire Chief Denny Tarleton. "You just don't know what you're going to have. They are very lucky that they had just minor injuries."

Company owner Tim Anderson told News Eight that preliminary reports do not connect the explosions to previous violations.

The OSHA violations included everything from electrical to serious safety issues. Eight of the violations covered fire and explosions hazards. Some of them were termed "willful." According to OSHA, that meant the company had knowlege of them happening.

"With the milling process that they do, the dust is the biggest problem," Tarleton said. "Controllilng the dust, and what steps you take to control it."

All-Feed originally faced $226,000 in fines, but a settlement agreement with OSHA cut that figure to $80,000. It was based on All-Feed's willingness to make corrections.

Citing the ongoing investigation, OSHA wouldn't comment whether All-Feed had taken steps to correct the violations or if the company was jeopardizing its 50 workers.

"Any time OSHA issues citations, there are safety concerns," said OSHA Regional Director Nick Walters.

Anderson said that his safety staff was working with OSHA to correct the violations prior to the blasts. His biggest concern now is for 50 employees who are suddenly out of work.

"He wasn't doing anything that he thought would affect his people and put them in jeopardy," Tarleton concluded. "Unfortunately, it's something that happens with machinery. And with the combination of the two, sometimes you get bad endings."

Galva firefighters responded to another machine fire at the plant about a year ago.

The latest OSHA investigation could take up to six months.

Anderson says it's too early to estimate damage, but he does plan to rebuild.