Mar 13, 2013

Foundry Fined $274K for Exposing Workers to Crystalline Silica Dust

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Grede Wisconsin Subsidiaries LLC, located in Browntown, Wis., for 28 health violations under the agency's national and regional emphasis program on primary metal industries for exposing workers to crystalline silica dust and other hazards at its Browntown iron foundry following an August 2012 inspection. Proposed penalties for Grede total $274,500. Of the 28 violations, three are deemed repeat violations.

In a release, Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison, Wis., says, "Grede Wisconsin Subsidiaries is compromising the safety of its workers by allowing previously cited deficiencies to continue. Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of commitment to workers' well-being. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

The three repeat violations are for exposing workers to respirable dust containing silica above the recommended exposure level, unguarded conveyor tail pulleys and failing to apply energy isolating devices to equipment during service and maintenance.

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http://www.recyclingtoday.com/osha-violations.aspx