OSHA Cites Company for Exposing Workers to Silica Dust
The agency has cited Grede Wisconsin Subsidiaries LLC for one repeat violation involving silica exposures.
OSHA has cited Grede Wisconsin Subsidiaries LLC for three violations for allegedly exposing workers to respirable silica dust and other hazards at its Browntown iron foundry, according to a news release from the agency. The agency issued one repeat violation for exposure to silica dust and two violations for other hazards. The company faces $50,600 in proposed fines.
The company received a repeat violation because it was cited by OSHA for a similar respirable silica dust violation in 2012. The 2012 inspection resulted in 28 violations and the company paid $133,000 in penalties. The most recent inspection found Grede Wisconsin had improper ladder caging and failed to provide workers with proper eye protection.
"Grede Wisconsin compromised the health of its workers by failing to monitor properly for inhalation of crystalline silica dust, a known hazard," said Kim Stille, OSHA's area director in Madison. "Employers have a responsibility to monitor worker exposure to known hazards and to take precautions to limit exposure to potentially fatal elements."