Horsehead Corporation, a recycler of electric arc furnace dust, had contracted with Project Management Services to clean up lead and cadmium contaminated dust at Horsehead's foundry located at 2701 E. 114th St., Chicago. OSHA opened an inspection in November 2005 following receipt of information that violations of federal workplace health standards relating to lead were occurring at the jobsite.
The investigation resulted in citations to Project Management Services for three willful and nine serious violations of federal workplace safety and health regulations, including the failure to comply with OSHA's noise, respirator, cadmium and lead standards.
"Failing to comply with lead and cadmium standards not only puts workers at risk, but their families as well," said OSHA area director Gary Anderson, Calumet City. "The health effects of overexposure to lead and cadmium can be devastating. When employers shirk their responsibility to keep the workplace clean of these dangerous substances, the results can be tragic for workers and their families."
OSHA is alleging that Project Management Services failed to provide medical evaluation and training for workers; failed to monitor for lead and cadmium; did not fit test respirators; and provided no clean changing room, clean lunch room or showers for employees exposed to lead in excess of permissible exposure limits.
The company has 15 working days from receipt of the citations to appeal before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
