Labor Department Cites Wisconsin Manufacturer for Safety Violations After Explosion
Summary
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited SV Labs Prescott Corp. for repeat and serious safety violations following an explosion and fire. The agency proposed $275,694 in penalties for issues including inadequate new hire safety training, respiratory protection, and hazard communication.
What changed
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued citations and proposed penalties totaling $275,694 against SV Labs Prescott Corp., a Wisconsin-based beauty and personal care products manufacturer, following an explosion involving a drum of nitrocellulose. The agency found two repeat violations for respiratory protection and hazard communication, and 10 serious violations related to flammable liquids, fire extinguisher training, forklift operations, electrical hazards, and hazard communication. Additionally, six other-than-serious citations were issued for recordkeeping and training deficiencies.
SV Labs Prescott Corp. must address these violations to comply with OSHA standards. While the employer has contested the citations before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, the proposed penalties highlight significant safety lapses. Companies in similar industries should review their new hire safety programs, chemical hazard communication, respiratory protection protocols, and emergency preparedness to prevent similar incidents and potential penalties.
What to do next
- Review and update new hire safety and health programs.
- Ensure comprehensive chemical and respiratory protection training for all employees.
- Verify proper implementation of hazard communication and electrical safety standards.
Penalties
$275,694 in proposed penalties.
Source document (simplified)
News Release
US Department of Labor cites Wisconsin beauty products manufacturer for repeat, serious safety violations following explosion
PRESCOTT, WI – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited a Wisconsin beauty and personal care products manufacturer after a 55-gallon fiber drum containing nitrocellulose exploded and started a secondary fire involving flammable liquids.
Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration initiated an inspection into California-based SV Labs Prescott Corp. after the explosion and subsequent fire, and determined the employer did not have a thorough new hire safety and health program in place and failed to provide newly hired employees with chemical and respiratory protection training, respirator fit testing, and medical evaluations.
OSHA cited SV Labs Prescott Corp. for two repeat violations related to respiratory protection and hazard communication, and 10 serious violations related to flammable liquids; fire extinguisher training and inspections; forklift training and inspections; electrical hazards; and hazard communications. The employer also received six other-than-serious citations for recordkeeping violations, lack of powered industrial truck training, and unsafe material handling. The agency proposed penalties of $275,694.
The employer has contested the citations before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Penalties and citations may be adjusted throughout the course of the case process. Please check the OSHA establishment search page periodically for any changes in the inspection or penalty status.
Learn about chemical hazards and toxic substances and respiratory protections. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.
Agency Occupational Safety & Health Administration Date March 18, 2026 Release Number 26-219-CHI Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez Phone Number 972-850-4709 Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov Media Contact: OPA East Media Email OPA-East-Media@dol.gov Share This
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