OSHA Charges Over $127K in Penalties for Hazardous Chemical Exposure in Factory
Sinclair & Rush, Inc., a leading product protection and packaging company in Carlstadt, New Jersey, is being charged with 11 health and safety violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA cited issues related to methylene chloride hazards. Workers exposed to this solvent are at risk of critical health issues. These violations resulted in fines of over $127,000.
According to a statement by OSHA made public today, an investigation at Sinclair & Rush, Inc. found that workers were overexposed to methylene chloride hazards and not provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), eyewash stations, and medical surveillance for those who were exposed or potentially exposed. The company is also charged with failing to put together a work safety plan to reduce employee exposure.
According to OSHA’s Area Director, exposure to methylene chloride puts employees at an increased risk of certain cancers, heart, liver, and central nervous system damage, as well as skin or eye irritation. She added that OSHA recommends employers use less hazardous chemicals to prevent exposure.
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