Cal/OSHA Cites Aircraft Parts Manufacturer for Willfully Failing to Notify Workers of Their Exposures to Chromium-6

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SANTA ANA, Calif., July 31, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cal/OSHA has cited an aircraft parts manufacturer $87,500 for numerous workplace safety and health violations including failure to provide workers with effective training on hazardous chemicals in their work area and willful failure to notify workers of their exposure to hexavalent chromium, a hazardous chemical known to cause cancer commonly referred to as chromium-6.

Cal/OSHA's Santa Ana Office on January 20 inspected the Triumph Processing - Embee Division, Inc. plant in Santa Ana after receiving a complaint of workplace hazards. Inspectors found that the employer had previously determined through air monitoring that workers who sanded and spray-painted aircraft parts were exposed to high levels of chromium-6, in the form of dust and mist.

Cal/OSHA issued a willful regulatory violation to the employer for not posting or notifying affected workers of the air monitoring results, and for failing to advise the workers of how they would be protected from exposure.

"Triumph Processing knew its workers had been exposed to high levels of chromium-6 at their facility but failed to notify or effectively train them," said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.

Chromium-6 is a toxic form of the element chromium used in many different industries. It is a known carcinogen and can cause irritation and damage to both the respiratory system when inhaled, and to the eyes and skin upon contact.

Cal/OSHA issued a total of 23 violations, including one willful-regulatory, six serious, six general and 10 regulatory in nature. A willful violation is issued where evidence shows that the employer committed an intentional and knowing violation, and the employer was conscious of the fact that what it was doing constituted a violation, or was aware that a hazardous condition existed and made no reasonable effort to eliminate the hazard. A serious violation is cited when there was a realistic possibility that death or serious physical harm could result from the actual hazardous condition.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA's Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

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The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA