The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued four willful, one serious and two repeat violations to Era Valdivia Contractors, Inc. after an inspection found workers were exposed to dangerous lead hazards while sandblasting the steel structure of the Francisco Avenue Bridge in Blue Island, Ill. Lead exposure can cause damage to the central nervous, urinary, blood and reproductive systems. The company faces proposed fines of $287,440.
“OSHA’s investigation found that Era Valdivia Contractors had performed tests that indicated dangerous lead exposure in the early stages of the project. The company made a conscious decision not to protect its workers,” said Kathy Webb, OSHA’s area director in Calumet City. “Era Valdivia Contractors failed to follow the law and its company policy, putting everyone at risk.”
OSHA initiated the inspection under its National Emphasis Program for Lead after observing employees working with lead without personal protective equipment. Willful violations include failing to provide personal protective clothing, clean changing areas and hygiene facilities, such as showers and hand-washing facilities, to prevent lead from traveling home. OSHA also issued a serious violation for failing to provide written notice to an employee who was overexposed to lead. For more information, read the news release.
For more information or assistance with your Environmental and Health & Safety regulatory compliance needs, contact Ralph Carito at Total Environmental & safety, LLC (Total) at rcarito@TotalEnviron.com or 908-442-8599.