OSHA fines Cicero plant for multiple worker safety violations

OSHA has fined a west suburban metal plating company more than $157,000 for numerous safety and health violations, including allowing workers to be exposed to dangerous metals such as cadmium.

After an inspection, Electronic Plating Co. in Cicero was hit with one willful, eight repeat, eight serious, and one-other-than serious violation, including exposing workers to metal, machinery and live electrical hazards, according to a statement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA found the following violations:

• Failure to implement a continuing, effective hearing conservation program;
• Lack of personal protective equipment for metal and other hazardous chemical exposure;
• Electrical safety hazards;
• Inadequate worker training on hazardous chemicals;
• Lack of medical examinations to monitor employee exposure to cadmium and chromic acid;
• Workers exposed to operating mechanical and electrical parts because equipment lacked guards;
• Unsanitary conditions; and
• Powered industrial trucks that were not inspected, with operators lacking required training

The company was found to be in violation of eight of the same violations in 2011, Kathy Webb, OSHA’s area director in Calumet City, said in a statement.

OSHA opened the investigation after receiving a complaint alleging unsafe working conditions. The proposed penalties total $157, 080.

“Employers cited for repeated violations are failing their employees and their obligation to provide a safe and healthy working environment,” Webb said.