Please note: As of January 20, 2021, information in some news releases may be out of date or not reflect current policies.
News Brief
Florida-based bridge coating company exposes workers to unsafe levels of lead; OSHA cites company for serious safety and health hazards
Employer name: Atlas Steel Coatings Inc.
Inspection site: 129 Philema Road, Albany, Georgia 31702
Date investigation initiated: OSHA initiated the investigation July 22, 2014, after receiving a complaint.
Investigation findings: OSHA issued 13 serious citations for failing to train workers on lead hazards; not providing personal protective equipment for workers exposed to lead; not developing a site specific lead compliance plan; and not providing showers for workers exposed to lead beyond safe levels. Lead exposure can cause impaired kidney function, high blood pressure and other negative health effects. Other violations include the employer's failure to conduct forklift training and failure to notify workers in writing of their blood lead test results within five days. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.
Quote: "This employer not only exposed its workers to unsafe levels of lead but it also failed to take any precautions required to prevent workers from transferring lead contamination, to their homes or families.," said Robert Vazzi director of OSHA's Savannah Area Office. "OSHA holds employers accountable for correcting conditions that threaten worker safety and health."
Proposed Penalties: $58,800
A copy of the citations is attached.
To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Savannah Area Office at 912-652-4393.