OSHA Cites Atlanta Chemical Manufacturer for 67 Serious Violations
Southern Industrial Chemicals Inc. exposed workers to chemical and struck-by hazards.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Mar 13, 2024
Atlanta-based manufacturer Southern Industrial Chemicals Inc. is the subject of an OSHA investigation that uncovered 67 serious violations, resulting in $289,439 in proposed fines.
According to a release dated March 8, the company—which specializes in compounding custom chemical products—principally exposed workers to chemical and struck-by hazards. Southern Industrial Chemicals, which operates as SIC Technologies, was subject to both health and safety inspections conducted by OSHA.
Among the violations, the agency noted the company’s failure to provide engineering controls to reduce employee exposure to hexavalent chromium, establish and implement a respiratory protection program, develop and implement a hazard communication program on hazardous chemicals, train laboratory employees to work with hazardous chemicals, and develop and implement an energy control program, including lockout procedures.
“Chemical exposures can lead to incurable and life-altering conditions. So it’s vital that employers take immediate steps to recognize and mitigate life-threatening hazards like those found in this investigation,” OSHA Atlanta-West Area Office Director Jeffery Stawowy said in a statement. “Employers must evaluate and effectively control respiratory hazards in the workplace and establish a hazard communication program that meets or exceeds federal safety standards to protect workers.”
Southern Industrial Chemicals Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest its findings.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.