OSHA Finds SK Battery America Inc. Exposed Workers to Hazardous Metals
The company faces $75,449 in proposed penalties for six serious violations.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Jan 24, 2024
SK Battery America Inc.—which specializes in manufacturing electric vehicle batteries—is the focus of a recent OSHA investigation at its plant in Commerce, Georgia.
According to a release dated Jan. 17, OSHA has proposed penalties of $75,449 for the company’s six serious violations. These include exposing workers to excessive noise levels without a monitoring program or audiometric testing and failing to protect employees handling cobalt, nickel and manganese from respiratory hazards. The company also failed to provide safety measures for corrosive materials, such as eyewash stations and emergency showers.
“The lithium battery industry has experienced unprecedented growth, and with that growth comes a heightened responsibility to ensure the safety of those at the forefront of innovation. SK Battery America Inc. is well aware that materials used to produce lithium batteries can cause debilitating and permanent health issues,” OSHA Area Office Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta-East said in a statement. “OSHA’s continued efforts to identify and remain vigilant to these emerging hazards is key in helping the industry understand how to eliminate employee exposures in the workplace. No employer should overlook the reality that is not just about advancing technology; it is about prioritizing the safety of your employees.”
SK Battery America Inc.—which employs about 3,100 people across two battery manufacturing plants in Commerce—has contested OSHA's findings before an independent commission.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.