A recent inspection by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has brought attention to the critical issue of employee safety at a Massachusetts alloy manufacturer. The alloy manufacturer now faces $69,251 in proposed penalties after OSHA found serious violations related to the inadequate protection of employees against exposure to toxic beryllium.
Company Fails to Provide Employees Protection Against Toxic Beryllium
The inspection revealed that employees at the alloy manufacturer were overexposed to airborne concentrations of beryllium during handheld grinding and parts fabrication operations on aerospace components. OSHA identified several critical lapses in safety measures, including the failure to conduct timely follow-up beryllium exposure monitoring and the absence of a proper exposure control plan with adequate engineering controls to minimize employees’ exposures.
Furthermore, the Massachusetts company failed to provide essential facilities and procedures, such as a proper change room for employees required to change into personal protective equipment and appropriate storage for beryllium-contaminated clothing. The inspection also found workbench surfaces inadequately free of beryllium and improper disposal practices for items contaminated with the toxic substance.
The Repercussions
In response to these hazardous conditions, OSHA has cited the alloy manufacturer for 11 serious violations and one other-than-serious violation, proposing significant penalties to underscore the severity of the lapses. Small and midsize business owners must recognize the potential consequences of non-compliance with safety regulations, as violations can lead to not only financial penalties but also risks to employee health and well-being.
Beryllium, while crucial in industries such as aerospace and defense, is a highly toxic metal. Workers exposed to beryllium face an increased risk of developing serious health effects, including chronic beryllium disease and lung cancer. OSHA Area Director Sarah Carle in Massachusetts, emphasized the importance of providing adequate safeguards to protect employees against this harmful hazard.
The alloy manufacturer, based in Indiana, is a leading advanced alloy company with production facilities in Indiana and Massachusetts. The company serves diverse industries, including defense, aerospace, automotive, telecommunications, and precision manufacturing. Despite its prominence, the recent OSHA inspection serves as a reminder that even well-established companies can face serious consequences for lapses in safety protocols.
Conclusion
The case of the alloy manufacturer underscores the imperative for small and midsize business owners to prioritize and enforce strict safety measures in the workplace. Violations not only jeopardize employee health and safety but also expose businesses to substantial financial penalties and damage to their reputation. Proactive compliance with safety regulations is not just a legal obligation; it is a fundamental responsibility to create a secure working environment for employees. Investing in comprehensive safety protocols can save businesses from the potentially devastating consequences of OSHA violations.