Trending
A Northumberland County brick manufacturer is facing nearly $500,000 in proposed federal fines after investigators say workers were knowingly exposed to unsafe levels of silica dust.
The U.S. Department of Labor said the Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited General Shale Brick Inc., doing business as Watsontown Brick Company, following a February inspection of its Watsontown facility, according to FoxNews 56 WOLF TV, a news partner with the Sun-Gazette.
Respirable crystalline silica consists of extremely small particles that can be created when materials containing silica are cut, crushed or otherwise processed.
Long-term exposure can cause serious lung diseases, including silicosis, and has been linked to lung cancer.
OSHA issued three willful, four serious, one repeat and one other-than-serious violation, with proposed penalties totaling $496,528.
Investigators said employees working in Plant 3, where molded bricks are produced, were breathing respirable silica dust at levels above federal safety limits.
The company knew workers were being exposed but failed to correct the hazard or require them to use respirators, OSHA stated.
Investigators also cited the company for allegedly failing to conduct annual respirator fit testing, establish regulated areas for silica exposure, adequately monitor exposure levels for all affected jobs and provide required medical examinations to workers exposed to silica for more than 30 days per year.
OSHA classified one violation as a repeat offense after finding the company had previously been cited for failing to conduct respirator fit testing at a facility in Augusta, Georgia.