Wisconsin Facility Cited for Respiratory Standard Violations
The Joy-Mark Inc. facility was cited for the same violations in 2009, 2010, and 2011.
OSHA has fined a Wisconsin mold manufacturing facility for exposing workers to harmful airborne refractory ceramic fiber. Joy-Mark Inc. in Cudahy, Wis. was investigated last October and now faces $50,050 in proposed fines.
"Joy-Mark has a responsibility to monitor worker exposure to respiratory hazards and to provide and train workers on the proper use of appropriate respirators," said Christine Zortman, OSHA's area director in Milwaukee, on the OSHA website. "Employers who are cited for repeat violations demonstrate a lack of knowledge and commitment to protecting worker safety and health."
The company employs 65 people at the facility. It received six violations, two of which were repeat violations involving allowing workers to use ineffective respirators and exposing workers to the airborne ceramic fiber. The other violations involve further carelessness with respiratory protection standards, according to OSHA.
The full list of violations can be found on the OSHA website.