Three employees died and one sustained serious burns in flash fire at Carl Cannon Inc., an a car dealership located in Jasper, Alabama. Upon OSHA inspection, the cause of the fire was due to using a flammable brake wash in the pit when the fire broke out.
A penalty of $152,099 has been proposed.
On December 11th, 2017, OSHA has issued one willful and two serious safety citations to Carl Cannon Inc.
The citations for Carl Cannon Inc. are for the following;
– failing to store flammable items properly,
– failing to implement a chemical hazard communication program
– leaving potentially hazardous electrical equipment in a hazardous environment.
OSHA Area Director Ramona Morris said “Failure to effectively implement a hazard communication program has tragically resulted in the loss of lives and serious injuries. Employers must ensure employees are trained and aware of the hazards associated with handling flammable chemicals.”
The first victim to die was Jake Jennings, 39, who died in the hospital the day after the fire. Fondly remembered as a football and baseball coach in the Locust Park community. The mother of his 2 children filed a lawsuit against five companies involved for knowingly allowing the employee to handle unsafe products. The lawsuit is for an unspecified amount.
Javan Robinson, 20, died 10 days later. His wife, Rachael L. Robinson, mourns along with Javan’s parents and family.
The third employee, Zack Davis, known as an “outgoing, good person” died close to 3 weeks after the flash fire occurred.
