Lancaster Workers Exposed to Excessively High Levels of Lead, Cadmium: OSHA
OSHA has cited J. Walter Miller Co. for 12 violations.
OSHA has issued 12 violations, 11 serious and one other than serious, to J. Walter Miller Co. of Lancaster, Pa.
After a complaint alleging health and safety hazards, OSHA began an investigation into lead exposure at the company's foundry. The inspection resulted in the discovery of lead exposure at seven times the limit, as well as elevated levels of airborne cadmium. OSHA also found employees were exposed to high levels of noise without proper protection.
"J. Walter Miller is exposing its employees to hazards that can lead to serious life-altering health conditions. Lead and cadmium have toxic health effects that are widely known. Unsafe levels of lead are toxic to the nervous system, reproductive system, kidneys and other organs. Long-term cadmium exposure can result in kidney damage, or increase the risk of lung or prostate cancer," said Kevin Kilp, director of OSHA's Harrisburg Area Office. "Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe and healthy work environment for employees. OSHA will not tolerate anything less than that."