|
|
|
|
TCMA Industry News |
|
OSHA Fines Ohio Foundry $270,000+ for Silica Violations |
|
OSHA | October 7, 2019 |
|
|
 |
|
DELAWARE, OH – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Liberty
Casting Company for exposing employees to crystalline silica
above the permissible exposure levels at the Delaware, Ohio,
foundry. The company faces $270,048 in proposed penalties for
three repeated and 18 serious health violations. |
|
OSHA inspectors determined that the company failed to implement
engineering and work practice controls to limit employee exposure to
silica, provide and require the use of respirators, develop an exposure
control plan and medical surveillance procedures, and train employees on
OSHA's silica standards. The company also failed to provide personal
protective equipment; conduct hazard assessments; use adequate machine
guarding, and develop lockout/tagout control procedures; and exposed
employees to fall and electrical hazards.
"Exposure to silica can cause health disorders, including kidney disease
and lung cancer," said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for
Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. "Employers using products
containing silica in their operations are required to take all
precautions to ensure employees are protected from life-threatening
diseases."
"Employers should develop comprehensive safety and health programs to
ensure that workers are trained about hazards in the workplace and
proper safety and health precautions," said OSHA Area Director Larry
Johnson, in Columbus, Ohio. "OSHA's Crystalline Silica page provides
information on what employers must do to limit worker exposures to
silica in general industry, construction, and maritime industries."
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and
penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area
director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational
Safety and Health Review Commission.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are
responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their
employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's
working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing
training, education and assistance. For more information, visit
https://www.osha.gov.
The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and
develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of
the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for
profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights. |
|
|
