Martin Foundry Co. Cited for Workplace Lead Exposures
A judge issued a contempt order, forcing the Kansas City, Mo., company's owner to allow an OSHA inspection.
OSHA has cited Martin Foundry Co. of Kansas City, Mo., for exposing workers to lead hazards, according to an agency news release. The company was cited for five repeat and seven serious violations after a judge issued a contempt order, forcing the owner to allow the inspection, according to OSHA.
"Employers must provide a safe, healthy workplace for their employees without court intervention," said Barbara Theriot, OSHA's area director in Kansas City. "Lead exposure can have lifelong consequences, but it's easily preventable. The company needs to make immediate changes to its safety and health programs."
According to OSHA, the company failed to provide respirators, adequate protective clothing, or training to safeguard its workers. Martin Foundry was also cited for not providing respiratory protection, using compressed air to blow lead dust off clothing, and failing to notify a company laundering workers' clothing of the potential for lead exposure.