U.S. Department of Labor and Ohio Auto Parts Manufacturer Reach Settlement Agreement to Abate Hazards at Franklin, Ohio, Plant

FRANKLIN, OH ‒ The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and Faurecia Emissions Control Systems NA LLC have reached an agreement that calls for the auto parts manufacturer – based in Franklin, Ohio – to abate hazards cited by OSHA in July 2019 and to pay penalties of $188,329. The company will remain in OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Faurecia Emissions Control Systems will correct the cited violations by taking immediate steps to limit employees’ exposure to airborne hexavalent chromium, including establishing a consistent and effective monitoring program, implementing feasible work practice controls during welding, and providing information and training to employees about the hazards of hexavalent chromium and OSHA’s standards.

“Employees at Faurecia Emission Control Systems will be safer, healthier, and better trained as a result of this agreement,” said OSHA Area Director Ken Montgomery, in Cincinnati, Ohio. “Employers must continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and use proper safety controls and equipment to protect workers.”

OSHA offers compliance assistance information on hexavalent chromium.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education, and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.