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OSHA News Release
2003 - 12/16/2003 - Birmingham Scrap Metal Company Faces OSHA Citations And Penalties For Exposing Employees To Lead And Arsenic |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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Region 4 News Release 03-919-ATL (295) Date: December 16, 2003 Contact: Roberto Sanchez Jo Anne Burgoyne Phone: (205) 731-1534 (404) 562-2076 Birmingham Scrap Metal Company Faces OSHA Citations And
Penalties For Exposing Employees To Lead And Arsenic BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The U.S. Labor Department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Metal Management Alabama, Inc., for allegedly exposing workers to high levels of lead and arsenic at a Vanderbilt Road scrap metal processing facility. OSHA has proposed $55,000 in penalties. Part of the processing operation occurs in the yard area of the plant where employees, using propane-oxygen torches, cut large pieces of metal. Tests done during a Sept. 4th OSHA inspection showed that these workers were exposed to amounts of lead and arsenic in excess of the legally permissible limits. "Overexposure to these elements can cause serious health problems, including lead poisoning and cancer," said Roberto Sanchez, OSHA's Birmingham area director. "OSHA has health standards to protect workers from these hazards, and it is important that employers strictly follow them." OSHA issued 11 serious citations to the company for alleged violations, including failure to conduct employee respirator fit-testing, to conduct initial and follow-up medical monitoring, to establish a regulated area where high concentrations of arsenic were likely to occur and to post warnings alerting employees to the dangers of overexposure. The company also allegedly failed to implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce exposure, such as installing air filters and positive pressure controls in lunchroom facilities and requiring employees to shower before leaving the plant. The agency issues serious citations when there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard. The company has 15 days to contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission. Staff from the Birmingham OSHA office located at Todd Mall, 2047 Canyon Rd., conducted the inspection; phone: (205) 731-1534. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is dedicated to saving lives, preventing injuries and illnesses, and protecting America's workers. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.dol ### |
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OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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