Orlando target-missile facility exposed workers to fire, burn hazards, OSHA says

ORLANDO, Fla. – The federal government is citing an aerospace facility in Orlando for a December fire that put at least two workers in the hospital and injured others.

OSHA is citing Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace Inc. for one willful violation and six serious violations after a fire broke out at the facility on Municipal Drive on Dec. 19.

[VIDEO: Fire breaks out at Aerojet Rocketdyne Coleman Aerospace facility]

The agency said the company incorrectly stored and handled explosives and failed to classify the physical hazards of a highly reactive chemical. As a result, the agency says workers were exposed to burn and inhalation hazards.

The fire originated from lithium powder in an isolated containment area within the facility.

Two employees were severely burned because of the fire, and three others suffered from burns and smoke inhalation while working on a missile component.

Aerojet Rocketdyne faces proposed penalties worth $262,451.

The company has 15 business days to either comply with OSHA’s findings or contest them.

The company focuses on aerospace and defense products. Target missiles are guided missiles used as targets for developing other systems, including missile defense systems.

Aerojet Rocketdyne is a subsidiary of L3Harris Technologies.

An L3Harris spokesperson issued the following statement to News 6:

“The safety of our employees and the community remains our top priority. We take this incident seriously and are thoroughly reviewing OSHA’s findings as we continue to strengthen our comprehensive safety practices.

“The Coleman Aerospace facility has been a part of the Orlando community for more than 30 years. Our 200 employees are dedicated to producing advanced missile targets and next-generation undersea propulsion technologies that support national security.

“Coleman maintains a comprehensive risk management framework and robust internal controls to mitigate risks and protect our workforce, the public, and the continuity of operations. We’ve taken decisive and meaningful steps to strengthen our already existing and robust protocols, to reinforce training, and to enhance other protective measures.”