OSHA Proposes To Fine MillerCoors $63,500 For Ammonia Leak

GOLDEN, Colo. -- The U.S. Department of Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed to fine MillerCoors $63,500 for an ammonia leak last July that sent two workers to the hospital.

More than 2,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia leaked when an ammonia line ruptured at the Coors Brewing plant in Golden on July 12.

The leak occurred in a facility known as the north cellar, where the ammonia is used to cool beer.
OSHA's investigation found that two employees were working on the ammonia system when an uncontrolled release occurred during maintenance operations. The workers escaped serious injury, but were taken to Lutheran Hospital to be treated.


Anhydrous ammonia is a colorless, highly irritating gas. When released at high levels it can cause burning of the eyes, throat and nose; resulting in choking, coughing or death from chemical burns to the lungs or from a swollen throat.
"Employers must be diligent in ensuring that employees and the public are not unwittingly exposed to serious hazards caused by inadequate maintenance of systems controlling highly hazardous chemicals," said John Healy, OSHA’s area office director in Englewood, Colo. “There is no acceptable reason for any employer to require employees to work around such a dangerous chemical without first ensuring they can do so without compromising their safety and health.”
MillerCoors was cited with 10 serious violations accusing the company of failing to follow the proper safety procedures under federal law.
An OSHA violation is serious when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
MillerCoors has 15 days to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.