Recycling Firm Faces Hefty OSHA Fine for Safety Violations
Universal Recycling Technologies LLC, a Janesville-based recycling company, has been hit with a substantial $202,820 fine by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The penalty comes as a result of multiple violations, including two repeat offenses, six serious infractions, and one other-than-serious violation.
Ongoing Employee Exposure to Hazardous Materials
OSHA’s investigation revealed that the company continued to subject its workers to dangerous levels of lead and cadmium during the dismantling of cathode-ray tubes from older televisions. This persisted despite previous citations for similar violations in April 2023.
Key Violations Identified
The company failed to implement several crucial safety measures, including:
- Regular biological monitoring for overexposure
- Proper sampling of full-shift exposures to lead and cadmium
- Ensuring contaminated protective clothing remained at the workplace
- Mandating post-shift showers for exposed workers
- Establishing regulated areas to minimize contamination spread
- Educating employees about the combined effects of lead and cadmium exposure
OSHA’s Concerns and Recommendations
Chad Greenwood, OSHA’s Madison area director, emphasized the severe health risks associated with chronic exposure to these toxic metals. He stressed that Universal Recycling Technologies must prioritize improving engineering controls to reduce employee exposure to hazardous air contaminants, rather than relying solely on personal protective equipment.
The company operates facilities in multiple locations across the United States, including New Hampshire, Oregon, and Texas.
