Jan 17, 2013

Waco Battery Firm Faces Safety Fines for Hazardous Chemicals - exposed its workers to health hazards associated with cadmium dust

Waco Tribune-Herald: Waco's Marathon Norco Aerospace Inc. faces claims it exposed employees to hazardous chemicals, the Fort Worth office of OSHA reports. The agency has proposed fines totaling $41,220. 

“We’re heading up there Thursday to talk with them about this issue,” Marathon president Jack Stiffler said. “You’re always surprised when you get a letter like this, but until we have this meeting in Fort Worth, I can’t get into anything.”

OSHA said Marathon failed to properly label trash cans that were contaminated with cadmium and filled with used personal protective equipment and other discarded items; provide new employees with effective training regarding the dangers of exposure to nickel nitrate and sulfuric acid compounds; provide proper respiratory protection, such as self-contained breathing devices; or adequately install machine guards or repair faulty wiring.

“This company exposed its workers to health hazards associated with cadmium dust, which can result in serious respiratory illnesses,” said Jack Rector, OSHA’s area director in Fort Worth. “It is the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthful working environment for employees.”

Read on at:
http://www.wacotrib.com/news/187093961.html