U.S. Department of Labor Cites Georgia Contractor Following Worker Fatality Due to Chemical Inhalation

PERRY, GA – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Creative Multicare Inc. – a carpet restoration, plumbing and resurfacing contractor based in Stockbridge, Georgia – for exposing employees to safety and health hazards after a fatal incident at a worksite in Perry, Georgia. The company faces $183,127 in penalties.

OSHA initiated an investigation after a Creative Multicare Inc. employee suffered fatal injuries after inhaling lacquer thinner, which was used to resurface a bathtub. OSHA cited the company for failing to evaluate the chemical wash cleaning task and determine workers’ level of exposure to the lacquer thinner. The agency also cited the company for improperly labeling mixtures used to clean and resurface bathtubs and countertops and exposing employees to a concentration of toluene several times above permissible exposure limits. Creative Multicare also received citations for allowing flash fire and explosion hazards and for failing to provide suitable facilities for quick drenching and flushing of the eyes and body and flame retardant clothing. Finally, OSHA cited the company for not performing a personal protective equipment assessment and using respirators properly.

“Employers must be vigilant in identifying and eliminating recognized safety and health hazards when allowing employees to work with hazardous chemicals,” said OSHA Acting Atlanta-East Area Office Director William Cochran. “Employers that implement robust safety programs have a greater chance of ensuring their employees remain safe and healthy each day.”  

OSHA provides resources and information on recognizing and controlling exposures to chemical hazards and toxic substances.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed 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.

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 ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women 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.