U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. is facing $115,594 after an OSHA investigation completed under the Regional Emphasis Program on Lead.
The company exposed workers to lead, unguarded machinery and other safety hazards at its facility in Augusta, Ga.
“Elevated lead levels can cause debilitating and permanent health issues,” said OSHA Atlanta-East Area Director William Fulcher. “OSHA’s lead standard requires employers to minimize workers’ exposure by using measures including engineering controls, safe work practices, and providing protective clothing and equipment.”
OSHA cited U.S. Battery Manufacturing Co. for exposing employees to lead exceeding the permissible exposure limit as well as arsenic above the action level, and failing to record on OSHA’s 300 log that the company medically removed the employees from exposure.
U.S. Battery also failed to conduct training, implement a medical surveillance program, and properly guard equipment.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or contest the findings.