notyard
08-05-2008, 03:14 AM
U.S. OSHA press release--exposures to many hazardous substances, particularly lead and cadmium, and the company did NOT provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees:
Region 5 News Release: 08-938-CHI
July 28, 2008
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Janesville, Wis., electronics recycler for workplace safety and health violations
Hazards include employee exposure to carbon monoxide, lead and cadmium
JANESVILLE, Wis. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $127,400 in fines against CRT Processing LLC of Janesville for alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.
OSHA selected CRT Processing for inspection following the receipt of information alleging exposures to toxic metals at the Janesville facility. As a result of the inspection opened in January, OSHA has issued citations alleging one willful and 25 serious violations, with proposed penalties of $56,000 and $71,400, respectively. The company specializes in recycling used and obsolete computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment.
The serious violations address hazards associated with exposure to carbon monoxide, lead and cadmium; machine guarding and lockout/tagout protection against accidental energizing of equipment; forklift hazards; emergency response procedures; and noise and respiratory protection.
The willful violation cited addresses CRT Processing's failure to provide personal protective equipment to employees.
"It is well documented that over-exposure to lead and cadmium not only threaten the health and lives of employees, but can also threaten their families," said Kimberly Stille, director of OSHA's area office in Madison, Wis. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthy or face close scrutiny by this agency."
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov (http://www.osha.gov/index.html).
Region 5 News Release: 08-938-CHI
July 28, 2008
Contact: Brad Mitchell or Scott Allen
Phone: 312-353-6976
U.S. Labor Department's OSHA cites Janesville, Wis., electronics recycler for workplace safety and health violations
Hazards include employee exposure to carbon monoxide, lead and cadmium
JANESVILLE, Wis. -- The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has proposed $127,400 in fines against CRT Processing LLC of Janesville for alleged willful and serious violations of federal workplace safety standards.
OSHA selected CRT Processing for inspection following the receipt of information alleging exposures to toxic metals at the Janesville facility. As a result of the inspection opened in January, OSHA has issued citations alleging one willful and 25 serious violations, with proposed penalties of $56,000 and $71,400, respectively. The company specializes in recycling used and obsolete computer monitors, televisions and other electronic equipment.
The serious violations address hazards associated with exposure to carbon monoxide, lead and cadmium; machine guarding and lockout/tagout protection against accidental energizing of equipment; forklift hazards; emergency response procedures; and noise and respiratory protection.
The willful violation cited addresses CRT Processing's failure to provide personal protective equipment to employees.
"It is well documented that over-exposure to lead and cadmium not only threaten the health and lives of employees, but can also threaten their families," said Kimberly Stille, director of OSHA's area office in Madison, Wis. "Employers must remain dedicated to keeping the workplace safe and healthy or face close scrutiny by this agency."
OSHA operates a vigorous enforcement program, conducting more than 39,000 inspections in fiscal year 2007 and exceeding its inspection goals in each of the last eight years. In fiscal year 2007, OSHA found nearly 89,000 violations of its standards and regulations.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthy workplace for their employees. OSHA's role is to promote the safety and health of America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov (http://www.osha.gov/index.html).