The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating Saturday’s explosion at Evonik’s chemical plant in southern Mobile County.
An OSHA spokesman confirmed Thursday that the explosion was being investigated. Company officials blamed excess pressure in a railroad car for the explosion.
No further details were provided to AL.com, but the agency did provide a link to a one-page description of its investigation priorities, which includes the “most dangerous workplaces” that result in imminent danger, serious injuries and illnesses, worker complaints, reports of hazards by other agencies, targeted inspections and follow-up inspections.
When an accident occurred at around 2 p.m., the wagon contained hydrogen peroxide. No serious injuries were reported.
Firefighters from the on-site plant crew as well as from Mobile County, Theodore and Fowl River responded to the explosion.
““We are cooperating fully with the local authorities. Safety is a major concern for Evonik and investigating the cause of the accident is a top priority,” the company said in statements over the weekend.
The Evonik plant in Theodore employs around 750 people and is the company’s largest site in North America.
The company announced in 2022 that it would invest $176.5 million in an expansion of the Theodore plant. The project was scheduled to be completed this year and is currently under construction. It was not affected by the railcar accident.
