$442,000 in Fines Proposed for Lead and Other Hazards
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009 |
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The
U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) has proposed a combined total of $442,150 in
fines against Globe Composite Solutions Ltd. and ADP TotalSource II
Inc. for alleged violations of health and safety standards at the
companies' Rockland, Mass., composite materials research, development,
manufacturing and assembly facility.
"The inspection identified
inadequate or absent safeguards against employees' exposure to lead and
its attendant health hazards, including failure to conduct required
monitoring, follow basic lead hygiene procedures and ensure adequate
respiratory protection," said Brenda Gordon, OSHA's area director for
Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.
Specifically, the
companies did not conduct required air and biological monitoring to
determine and track employees' lead exposure levels; did not prevent
employee overexposure to lead; did not implement adequate controls to
reduce lead exposure; did not keep work surfaces and floors as clean of
lead accumulation as possible; failed to equip the ventilation system
with backup HEPA filters and lead monitoring equipment; lacked adequate
respiratory protection programs, procedures, equipment and training;
allowed respirators and protective suits to be stored in lead
contaminated areas; did not provide clean change rooms, showers and an
appropriate lunchroom for lead exposed employees; did not prevent
employees from wearing lead contaminated clothing home and in the lunch
room; and did not provide lead hazard training.
Both companies
also have been cited for lack of personal protective equipment;
incomplete lockout/tagout program and training; and lack of a
comprehensive written chemical hazard communication program and
training. In addition, Globe Composite Solutions was cited for failing
to provide safe work practices training and protective equipment for
employees performing electrical work and for inadequate or inaccurate
injury and illness recording.
All told, Globe Composite
Solutions faces $209,500 in proposed fines for two willful, 41 serious
and six other-than-serious violations while ADP TotalSource II faces
$232,650 in fines for two willful, 29 serious and one
other-than-serious violations. OSHA defines a willful violation as one
committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for
employee safety and health. Serious citations are issued when death or
serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards about which the
employer knew or should have known.
The companies have 15
business days from receipt of their citations and proposed penalties to
comply, participate in an informal conference with the OSHA area
director or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the
independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. The
inspection was conducted by OSHA's Boston South Area Office in
Braintree; telephone 617-565-6924.
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