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OSHA Fines Manufacturers $109,250
for Lead and Other Violations
The U.S. Department of Labor's
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has jointly
cited two Bethlehem Pennsylvania manufacturers for alleged safety
and health violations, and is proposing a total of $109,250 in
penalties. The Bethlehem companies manufacture bathroom fixtures
and accessories as well as automotive accessories.
OSHA initiated its investigation
of the companies on September 19, 2006, in response to a complaint
alleging employees were exposed to lead hazards in a common foundry
area. The companies were issued one willful violation with a
penalty of $35,000; 33 serious violations with penalties of $73,750;
and one other-than-serious violation with a penalty of $500.
"Overexposure to lead
is a leading cause of workplace illness," said Jean Kulp,
director of OSHA's area office in Allentown, Pennsylvania "It
is vital that the companies correct these hazards to protect
their employees."
OSHA defines a willful violation
as one committed with an intentional disregard of, or plain indifference
to, the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act.
A willful violation was issued because the company failed to
adequately monitor employee lead exposure when required.
Serious violations are issued
when there is substantial probability that death or serious injury
could occur from a hazard about which the employer knew or should
have known. The serious violations include hazardous exposure
to lead and cadmium, the lack of a noise monitoring program and
unguarded machinery.
The other-than-serious violation
is due to the companies' failure to properly record injuries
and illnesses.
The companies have 15 working
days from receipt of the citations to appeal them before the
independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
The inspection was conducted by OSHA's Allentown Area Office,
telephone (610) 776-0592.
Source: OSHA News Release 3/21/07
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