Georgia Distribution Center Cited by OSHA
On June 20, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited a Lawrenceville, GA wood distributor for chemical exposure and “struck-by” hazards.
The company faces a repeat offense for failing to provide employees with protective eye, face, and hand equipment to prevent burns and other injuries.
Additionally, employees required to handle corrosive acid to fill batteries had no access to a functioning eyewash station.
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Other citations include: allowing workers to drive a truck that had non-operating lights; damaged hydraulic lines; and, a damaged and exposed live conductor battery wing.
“An employer’s obligation to provide a safe workplace includes supplying workers with personal protective equipment to protect them from identified hazards,” OSHA Atlanta-East Area Director William Fulcher said.
“Employers are required to correct hazards before they cause injury or illness.”
In all, suggested fines total $125,466.
Chemical Exposure Hazards in a Workplace
Employers should be aware of all the potential chemical exposure hazards in their workplaces.
Furthermore, they must provide workers with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Employers are also required to train each worker who uses PPE to know the following:
- When it’s necessary;
- What kind is necessary;
- How to properly put it on, adjust, wear and take it off;
- The limitations of the equipment;
- Proper care, maintenance, useful life, and disposal of the equipment.
When using corrosive chemicals, eyewash stations are a necessary complement to PPE, such as goggles or face shields, to limit chemical exposure.
According to OSHA’s primary Eyewash standard 29 CFR 1910.151: “Where the eyes or body of any person may be exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body shall be provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.”
Medical Surveillance Testing
Keep your workplace OSHA compliant with regular medical surveillance and PPE testing.
Worksite Medical brings a suite of occupational medical testing services directly to your worksite — including audiometric exams, respirator fit testing, vision exams, and heavy metal screening.
Learn more about instituting a mobile medical surveillance program for comprehensive employee health screening here.
