Illinois company fined after noncompliance with lead safety precautions

March 26, 2014

Employees trust that their employers are complying with appropriate and applicable safety regulations and standards. By nature, some jobs are more dangerous than others. However, this does not excuse the need for safety prevention and compliance. In some industries, such as the lead paint industry, employers should support employees with important safeguards, which can help health hazards. Unfortunately, employers sometimes fail to do so.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has fined an Illinois company that specializes in mold, lead and asbestos abatement after employees were exposed to lead paint. The company, Celtic Environmental, received 10 citations for safety violations, which occurred in late 2013.

Pursuant to the National Emphasis Program for Lead Exposure in Construction, OSHA initiated an inspection of the worksite. Exposure can result in serious injuries, including damage to kidneys, the nervous system and other organs. Fortunately, the safety agency has specific regulations, which help keep employees safe from dangerous lead exposure on the worksite.

The safety standards require companies to utilize special practices that help reduce exposure. However, at this particular worksite, the company was not complying with such standards. In sum, Celtic Environmental received 10 safety citations. Adequate lead protection standards include some of the following:
- Collecting samples and conducting biological assessments to determine employee exposure
- The implementation of a respiratory protection program
- Providing adequate protective clothing
- Providing changing and hygiene stations to prevent the transfer of lead from the worksite
- Lead exposure training
- Creating and executing a compliance program

In addition to noncompliance with the standards, the company was also cited for failing to utilize pneumatic power tools, which prevent harm, and not providing training to workers that use dangerous chemicals.

Accidents happen all of the time. In many cases, they are the result of inadequate or unsafe working environments. Employers are obligated to create safe working spaces for workers -- especially when a job is inherently dangerous.

If you have been harmed at your workplace, you do have rights. As you focus on recovery and getting back to work, you should not have to worry about your income. Fortunately, workers' compensation can provide security as you try to get back on your feet. Furthermore, there are other recovery options available, depending on the context of the accident.

To learn more about your legal options, speak to a personal injury lawyer in the area.

Article provided by Jamie M. Trapp & Associates
Visit us at www.trapplaw.com