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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) issued a January 17th news release stating it was proposing to assess penalties against SK Battery America Inc. (“SK”) for alleged violations.
SK is described as a global electric vehicle battery manufacturer that operates two battery manufacturing plants in Commerce, Georgia.
OSHA is proposing to cite SK for the following violations:
- Subjected employees to continuous noise levels exceeding the 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 A-weighted decibels by not developing a monitoring program, nor establishing an audiometric testing program, including a valid baseline audiogram.
- Exposed employees working with cobalt, nickel and manganese to respiratory hazards by failing to complete a workplace hazard assessment; ensure employees were given clean, disinfected and sanitary respirators; and store respirators properly to protect them from material contamination.
- Failed to make certain that people working with corrosive materials had access to eyewash stations and emergency showers.
- Left workers handling bags of nickel powder vulnerable to respiratory hazards by not providing feasible administrative or engineering controls to reduce exposure levels.
OSHA has proposed $75,449 in penalties. However, SK is stated to be contesting the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.
A copy of the news release can be found here.
