Search

Aerospace Manufacturer Faces $308K in OSHA Safety & Training Violations

Posted on 11/10/2021 by Lauren Scott

A Connecticut aircraft parts manufacturer has been cited by OSHA for alleged violations of the Agency’s hazardous substance exposure safety and training regulations.

As part of the National Emphasis Program on Hexavalent Chromium, OSHA conducted an inspection at the company facility in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Inspectors concluded that workers faced exposure and possible overexposure to the toxic substances while electroplating, mixing and preparing, and painting and removing paint from small aircraft parts.

OSHA alleges the company failed to provide employees with appropriate information and training on chromium hazards, determine employees' exposure to hexavalent chromium, implement controls and work practices to reduce workers' overexposure to chromium, and provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment among other violations.

The company has been cited for two willful, four serious, and two other-than-serious violations, and issued $308,168 in civil penalties. The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

Inspectors Focus on Chemical Exposure Safety in Midwest

Last month, OSHA’s regional office in Kansas City, MO unveiled a new Regional Emphasis Program to “increase awareness of chemical exposures and ensure employers implement required safety and health procedures.”

Inspections will focus on workplaces and industries in which OSHA documented employee exposure to hazardous substances during previous inspections. OSHA’s announcement provides three examples of hazardous substances of concern—asbestos, cadmium, and formaldehyde.

In addition to using more enforcement resources to prevent chemical exposures, OSHA started a three-month outreach program on October 1 to target employers, professional associations, safety councils, healthcare facilities, and other stakeholders with informational mailers and OSHA presentations.

What Is Hexavalent Chromium?

chromium.jpgSometimes called “Chrome 6,” hexavalent chromium is “the oxidation state of chromium with an oxidation number of +6; a coordination number of 4 and tetrahedral geometry.”

​In addition to use in water treatment systems, Chrome 6 is used in industry to add pigment to dyes, paints, inks, and plastics; as an anti-corrosive in paints and other coatings; and more.

OSHA Safety, Hazmat, and HAZWOPER Training Anytime, Anywhere

From respirators and PPE to hazard communication and lithium batteries, find safety training you need to protect your staff and maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards in 29 CFR at Lion.com/OSHA. 

Courses are interactive and self-paced, and employees can stop and start as needed to fit training into their day-to-day work schedules.

Tags: chemical exposure, fines, osha, penalties, safety

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

I like the consistency of Lion workshops. The materials are well put together and instructors are top notch!

Kevin Pylka

Permitting, Compliance & Environmental Manager

The instructor was energetic and made learning fun compared to dry instructors from other training providers.

Andy D’Amato

International Trade Compliance Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

My experience with Lion classes has always been good. Lion Technology always covers the EPA requirements I must follow.

Steven Erlandson

Environmental Coordinator

I attended training from another provider and learned absolutely nothing. Lion is much better. Hands down.

Nicole Eby

Environmental Specialist

The instructor was excellent. They knew all of the material without having to read from a notepad or computer.

Gary Hartzell

Warehouse Supervisor

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

I can't say enough how pleased I was with this course! Everything finally makes sense.

Kim Graham

Lab Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Excellent class, super instructor, very easy to follow. No rushing through material. Would like to take his class again.

Lawrence Patterson

EH&S Facility Maintenance & Security Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide to spot which tanks and substances are regulated under EPA's Underground Storage Tank program, and which are excluded as of October 2018.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.