"package was found with a handwritten note that said “explosives.”"

Sadly our facilities are not immune to terrorism. The Aluminium Plant Safety Blog has posted incidents including but not limited to bombings, arson, shootings, threats, etc. Here is a recent story that emphasizes the need to for all aspects of terrorism to be included in your emergency management plan.

A suspicious package was discovered one morning at the aluminum plant in the United States during the week of May 8, 2016. According to the local Fire Chief two hundred employees were evacuated from the plant after a wrapped package was found in the men’s locker room along with a handwritten note that said “explosives.”

The local police, local fire and paramedics arrived on scene.  The county bomb squad was called in to investigate and they were able to mitigate the threat.

The local fire chief could not say what was found inside the wrapped bundle, but all employees were sent back to work. No one was injured.

We are glad that this package was neutralized and no workers nor emergency management personnel were injured in this incident. It is imperative that you instruct your workers on what a suspicious package is, and what to do when they find one.

The US Department of Homeland Security has very detailed information regarding bomb threats and terrorism threats. It can be viewed here.

Occupational Safety Health & Administration has useful information regarding evacuations. It can be viewed here.

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