Region 3 News Release: 13-1159-PHI (osha 13-051)
June 18, 2013
Contact: Joanna Hawkins Leni Fortson
Phone: 215-861-5101 215-861-5102
Email: hawkins.joanna@dol.gov uddyback-fortson.lenore@dol.gov

Perkasie, Pa., helicopter contractor cited by US Labor Department's OSHA
for exposing workers to chemical hazards; fined $40,500

PERKASIE, Pa. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Carson Helicopters Inc. for eight alleged serious violations, including exposing workers to hazards involving hexavalent chromium, at the company's facility in Perkasie. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $40,500 after a December 2012 inspection of the facility was launched because of a complaint.

The serious violations include spray booths containing combustible floor lining; no air flow measuring devices or fire extinguisher systems present; exposure to hexavalent chromium above the permissible exposure limits; a lack of engineering controls to reduce exposures; and a lack of a medical program for workers exposed to hexavalent chromium, as well as a monitoring program for workers exposed to hexavalent chromium. The company also failed to ensure the use of proper respiratory protection for workers while painting; ensure there was a regulated area where exposure to hexavalent chromium was above the permissible exposure level; provide training on the hazards of hexavalent chromium exposure; provide storage areas separating street clothes from contaminated clothing; and keep eating and drinking areas free of hexavalent chromium.

Detailed information about the hazards involving hexavalent chromium can be found at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/hexavalentchromium/index.html.

Carson Helicopters has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with the OSHA area director in Allentown, or contest the citations and proposed penalties before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Allentown Area Office at 267-429-7542.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions exist for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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U.S. Department of Labor news materials are accessible at http://www.dol.gov. The information above is available in large print, Braille, audio tape or disc from the COAST office upon request by calling 252-693-7828 or TTY 252-693-7755.