Although lead remains a fairly common material in industrial settings, lead exposure poses serious health risks to numerous demographics, especially children, pregnant women, and industrial workers.
Excessive long-term exposure at the workplace can lead to severe damage in the nervous system, kidneys, result in birth defects, and damage other vital organs. In cases of acute lead poisoning from high-level, short-term exposure, symptoms may include abdominal pain, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and tingling sensations in the extremities.
Now, recent findings from a federal workplace safety investigation have shed light on concerning levels of lead exposure levels at the Augusta,Georgia facility of a battery manufacturer. Making matters worse, this isn’t the first time the company has been issued citations for the same infraction (more on that, below).
Let’s take a look at what the investigation revealed, highlight the risks posed to employees, and the necessary steps for mitigating lead exposure in the workplace.
Related Article: OSHA Seeks to Revise Occupational Lead Exposure Standard
OSHA Unearths Critical Lead Exposure Concerns
OSHA conducted a comprehensive investigation in May 2023, revealing alarming levels of lead exposure among employees. The investigation included personal air monitoring and assessments of lead accumulation on respirators and common surfaces in employee break areas.
And yet, this isn’t the first time the battery manufacturer has come under scrutiny for lead exposure-related violations. Since 2018, federal safety inspections have uncovered a series of violations, indicating a recurring issue that requires immediate attention.
“[The company] is well aware that elevated lead levels can cause debilitating and permanent health issues but once again, our inspectors found the employer failing to protect its workers,” said OSHA Area Office Director Josh Turner in Atlanta-East.
The Violations & Citations
- Absence of Engineering and Work Practice Controls
The company received two repeat citations for failing to implement essential engineering and work practice controls aimed at reducing lead exposure. These controls are crucial for safeguarding the health of workers in environments where lead is present.
- Failure to Prevent Lead Accumulation
The investigation further revealed that the company did not have measures in place to prevent lead from accumulating on surfaces. This oversight poses a serious risk, as it increases the likelihood of inadvertent lead ingestion or contact.
- Excessive Lead Concentrations
OSHA issued two serious citations after discovering that employees were exposed to lead concentrations exceeding permissible levels. This violation poses immediate health risks to workers and underscores the urgency for corrective action.
- Neglect of Respirator Cleaning and Disinfection
The investigation found that they did not ensure that employees’ respirators were adequately cleaned and disinfected. This oversight compromises the effectiveness of the protective equipment and heightens the risk of lead exposure.
Related Article: 64 Workers File Lead Exposure Lawsuit Against Tampa Facility
OSHA’s Response and Proposed Penalties
OSHA has proposed penalties totaling $160,727 in response to these critical safety violations. This demonstrates the gravity of the situation and emphasizes the need for swift corrective measures.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
Safeguarding Workers from Lead Exposure
Lead exposure poses a significant risk in certain workplaces. To protect your workers, prioritize their respiratory health with these five essential tips:
- Provide Proper Respiratory Protection
Equip workers with appropriate respiratory protective equipment, such as N95 respirators or higher-grade masks, especially in areas where lead exposure is likely. Ensure they are trained on the correct usage, fit, and maintenance of these devices.
- Implement Engineering Controls
Minimize lead exposure by incorporating engineering controls like local exhaust ventilation systems and isolation barriers. These measures help capture lead particles at the source, preventing their dispersion into the work environment.
- Maintain a Clean Workspace
Regularly clean and decontaminate work areas to prevent lead dust buildup. Use HEPA vacuums and wet-cleaning methods to avoid dispersing lead particles into the air. This reduces the risk of inhalation or ingestion.
- Encourage Proper Hygiene Practices
Promote good hygiene among workers to minimize lead transfer. Encourage frequent hand-washing with lead-specific soaps and discourage activities like eating or smoking in areas with potential lead exposure.
- Conduct Regular Air Monitoring
Implement routine air monitoring to assess lead levels in the workplace. This helps identify areas with high lead concentrations and allows for timely corrective measures to be taken.
- See OSHA Standard for lead protection
- See OSHA Standard on Toxic and Hazardous Substances [Lead]- 1025
- See OSHA Guidelines for Evaluating Lead Exposure and Controls
- See Additional OSHA Resources for Lead Protection
- Conduct Regular Heavy Metal Screenings
Heavy metal screenings are crucial if your team faces exposure to toxic heavy metals, such as lead, arsenic, and others. These screenings serve as proactive measures, allowing early detection of elevated lead levels in employees’ blood.
By identifying such exposure promptly, you can implement targeted interventions to minimize risks, ensuring a safer work environment.
Regular screenings also enable continuous monitoring, help prevent long-term health issues related to lead exposure, and demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being.
Key Takeaways
The recent findings at this battery manufacturing plant serve as a stark reminder of the critical importance of prioritizing occupational health and safety. As an employer, you bear not only a moral responsibility to protect your workers, but a legal one, too.
By addressing lead exposure through comprehensive controls and measures, you can ensure a safer work environment for all. It is imperative that corrective actions are taken promptly to rectify these violations and prevent future incidents.
About Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct on-site respirator fit tests, as well as audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
