Enforcement and Inspection

Toxic Exposure Leads to Citation of Aircraft Contractor

OSHA has cited a Kansas-based aircraft manufacturer for exposing employees to hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI), a known carcinogen. The company faces proposed penalties totaling $194,006 for 1 willful and 5 serious violations.

aircraft manufacturing

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OSHA investigators found that the defense contractor exposed employees to airborne concentrations of hexavalent chromium, nearly twice the permissible exposure limit. The employer failed to implement sufficient feasible engineering and work practice controls to prevent exposure, conduct monitoring or sampling, provide training, and require employees to properly remove potentially contaminated PPE and clothing before leaving the sanding area.

Noted OSHA acting area director Ryan Hodge, “This company failed to protect their employees from exposure to a known carcinogen. Employers are required to continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and use the proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthy.”

Hexavalent chromium is usually produced by an industrial process. OSHA says it targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin, and eyes. A major source of worker exposure occurs during hot work such as welding on stainless steel and other alloy steels containing chromium metal. OSHA says some 558,000 workers are potentially exposed to Cr(VI).

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