Schumer Visits New Windsor Following Cosmetics Factory Explosion

In the wake of a cosmetics factory explosion that killed one person in the Hudson Valley, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is calling for more coordination from government officials when a company is cited for violations.

An explosion at a cosmetics plant in New Windsor killed one person and injured 30.
Photo Credit: *File*

Sam Barron

01/06/2018 5:30 a.m.

At New Windsor Town Hall Friday, Schumer called for an immediate improvement of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) coordination and communication system protocols to notify local governments, fire departments and first responders and other public utility entities if and when a local company is cited for serious violations like Verla International was.

The explosion and fire at Verla International in Orange County left more than 30 people injured, including seven firemen.

First responders were put in a situation where they walked blindly into a hazardous scene, not knowing that the company was cited for serious violations involving hazardous or combustible materials, Schumer said.

"Local governments and first responders must know ‎where there are hazards so they can prepare and train for potential emergency situations," Schumer said.

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