LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined a Shively factory months after a fatal explosion.
The blast occurred at the AAK plant, which processes vegetable oils, and killed an employee on Sept. 21, 2025.
Shively Fire officials said the explosion happened during a hydrogen tank conversion process.
On April 6, Rosalind Harvey, a spokesperson for the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, confirmed that investigators completed their review and issued a $7,000 fine to the company.
“The company has 15 working days after the receipt of the citation to request an informal conference or to contest the citation,” Harvey said.
According to OSHA’s website, the case remains listed as “open.” Citations are typically posted 30 days after the employer receives them, except in cases of significant public interest.
Luis Gomez, director of operations at AAK, said the company has cooperated with OSHA and other regulators.
“With regards to the citation, we have already had a conference with KY OSHA and will continue to work with them to meet the highest standards of safety compliance moving forward,” Gomez said. “We are grateful for the support we have received from KY OSHA as well as other local agencies to navigate through this incident. The safety of our employees is our highest priority.”
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