May 13, 2019
OSHA has cited Spirit Aerosystems Inc. – based in Wichita, Kansas – for exposing employees to carcinogen hazards. The company faces penalties of $193,218 for two repeated and four serious violations.OSHA alleges the company failed to implement feasible engineering controls to limit employee exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen, and conduct periodic monitoring of employee exposure. OSHA also alleges the company failed to establish protocols to ensure that employees remove contaminated personal protective equipment and clothing before leaving the work area.
OSHA also alleges the company failed to prevent exposure to hexavalent chromium during aircraft painting and allowed the accumulation of hexavalent chromium on surfaces and failed to ensure that employee respirators fit properly.
"Inhaling excessive levels of hexavalent chromium can cause asthma, and damage to the kidneys, liver, and respiratory system," said OSHA Wichita Acting Area Office Director Ryan Hodge. “It is important for employers to take the appropriate steps necessary to prevent excessive exposure.”
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.
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OSHA has cited Eastern Contractors LLC for exposing employees to falls and other safety hazards at a worksite in Paterson, New Jersey.OSHA initiated an investigation in October 2018 after the Paterson Police Department notified the agency that an employee suffered a fatal fall during roofing removal and replacement work. Agency inspectors determined that the company exposed employees to fall hazards, and failed to cover roof openings, provide a fall protection system, and train workers on safety hazards present at the worksite. The roofing contractor faces $19,890 in penalties.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.
Texas Meat-Packing Plant Cited for Exposing Workers to Highly Hazardous Chemicals
OSHA has cited 7 S Packing LLC – operating as Texas Packing Company in San Angelo, Texas – for exposing workers to releases of hazardous chemicals. The company faces $615,640 in penalties.OSHA determined that the meat-packing facility failed to implement a required Process Safety Management (PSM) program for operating an ammonia refrigeration unit containing over 10,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia. The employer also failed to provide fall protection, guard machines and equipment, control hazardous energy, and implement a respiratory protection program.
The PSM Covered Chemical Facilities National Emphasis Program focuses on reducing or eliminating workplace hazards at chemical facilities to protect workers from catastrophic releases of highly hazardous chemicals. PSM standards emphasize the management of hazards associated with highly hazardous chemicals, and establishes a comprehensive management program that integrates technologies, procedures, and management practices to prevent an unexpected release.
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.
Florida Contractor Cited for Fall Hazards
OSHA has cited Stettinius Construction Inc. for exposing employees to safety hazards after a worker suffered a fatal fall at a worksite in Naples, Florida.OSHA cited the contractor for failing to provide fall protection system, train employees on ladders safety and recognition of potential fall hazards, and allowing employees to use a portable ladder that did not extend above the landing. The remodeling contractor faces $26,142 in proposed penalties.
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