Munitions Workers Report Sickness At Plant

Tuesday, October 23rd 2007, 2:24 pm

By: News On 6

McALESTER, Okla. (AP) -- Nine employees at the McAlester Army Ammunition Plant became sick and were sent home, just days after similar symptoms forced them from their jobs last week.

Eleven workers were sent home Thursday after reporting dizziness, headaches and vomiting. They returned to work on Monday, when nine workers said their symptoms had returned.

"The plant's clinic will examine all 11 of the affected employees this week to ensure any changes in their conditions are detected and recorded," said plant spokesman Mark Hughes.

The plant also is asking for technical assistance from the U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine, he said.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration visited the plant on Monday and has started an inspection, Hughes said.

All 11 of the employees worked in a building where TNT is melted from 750-pound bombs, so the TNT can be reused, Hughes said.