MILWAUKEE, WI (Legal Newsline) — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced that it cited C & D Technologies Inc. for allegedly exposing its employees to lead and failing to implement an effective lead management program.
The company’s facility contained airborne lead at levels 11 times what is federally permissible, according to the OSHA allegations. Because of this, 14 company employees were purportedly exposed to harmful lead. Additionally, the company allegedly failed to implement the proper controls to prevent such exposure from occurring. The company also failed to monitor ventilation or post warning signs, OSHA claimed after it inspected the facility.
“Employers are required to continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and use the proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthful,” Chris Zortman, OSHA Milwaukee area director, said in a statement. “This company failed to protect their employees from the serious risks of lead exposure.
C & D Technologies could face up to $147,822 in penalties. The company has 15 business days from receiving the citation to comply with it.