The US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has raised concerns after Yenkin Majestic and OPC Polymers failed to respond to five safety recommendations following a fatal explosion at a chemical manufacturing facility in Columbus, Ohio.
The recommendations were issued in November 2023 following an investigation into an explosion and fire at the company’s resin plant in April 2021.
Explosion caused fatal injuries
The incident killed one employee and injured eight others, with victims suffering severe burns, fractures and injuries caused by collapsing debris.
One employee required a leg amputation.
Investigators determined that the explosion resulted from an improperly designed, constructed and tested reactor manway cover.
Pressurised flammable solvent vapours and resin liquid escaped, forming a vapour cloud that subsequently ignited.
Investigation identifies safety deficiencies
The CSB identified failures involving pressure vessel integrity, emergency preparedness and employee protection.
Workers lacked adequate evacuation warnings because audible and visual alarms were insufficient.
The company also did not require flame resistant clothing despite the potential fire hazards.
Company fails to respond to recommendations
The CSB issued five recommendations intended to address the identified safety deficiencies and prevent similar incidents.
Despite repeated correspondence beginning in December 2023, the agency reported receiving no substantive response.
Further letters were sent in February and September 2026.
Yenkin Majestic pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge relating to the incident on 1 September 2026.
CSB calls for corrective action
Stephen Klejst, CSB Executive Director of Investigations and Recommendations, said: “Yenkin-Majestic/OPC Polymers’ continued unresponsiveness and failure to implement the CSB’s safety recommendations seems to demonstrate a serious disregard for the safety of the company’s workers and is especially disturbing in light of the company’s recent guilty plea.”
CSB Chairperson Steve Owens said: “This deadly incident should never have happened, and the safety recommendations are intended to help prevent a catastrophic event like this from happening again.
“Unlike Yenkin-Majestic/OPC Polymers, most companies willingly implement the safety recommendations from the CSB’s investigations. We urge Yenkin-Majestic/OPC Polymers to respond constructively and take action toward implementing these important recommendations.”
The CSB investigates major chemical incidents and issues preventive recommendations but does not impose fines or citations.
