Warner Lambert Co.

Six workers were killed and at least 50 other workers were injured in an explosion and fire at the chewing-gum manufacturing plant where they were employed. A small explosion believed to be caused by the liquid nitrogen's liquefaction of oxygen set off another explosion of dust surrounding the machinery that was composed primarily of magnesium stearate. In 1975, prior to the explosion, the company's insurance inspector noticed a lot of magnesium stearate dust in the factory and required the company install an effective exhaust system and better insulate electrical connections to prevent an explosion. Although the company made some minor changes, it did not stop production or make safety improvements. Federal OSHA had inspected the facility several months before the incident but only conducted a record review, which found that records were not properly maintained. OSHA did not inspect the plant.