Bremer Manufacturing Co. Cited in Death of Worker
The Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, aluminum factory has been cited for one willful, one repeat and one serious health violation
Following an inspection, OSHA has found that Bremer Manufacturing Co. Inc. failed to train workers on the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the workplace. This comes after an employee was found unresponsive in a restroom at the company’s plant. The man worked with resin-containing isocyanates on the sand molding line. OSHA has cited the company for one willful, one repeat and one serious health violation.
“This inspection focused on employees who work with hazardous chemicals including resin-containing isocyanates, which can cause employee sensitization. Isocyanates can cause chest tightness, trouble breathing and irritation to the lungs, eyes, nose, throat and skin. Even when exposure limits are below permissible levels, workers can experience health consequences, especially if they have other health risks and are exposed to chemicals on a routine basis,” said Robert Bonack, OSHA’s area director in Appleton. “Employers have a responsibility to train workers on the physical and health hazards of working with chemicals.”
OSHA cited one willful violation for failing to train workers in chemical hazards, as well as one repeat violation for failure to train employees on the chemical’s physical and health hazards. The company also failed to establish a written respiratory protection program, which is a serious violation of OSHA standards.