Region 4 News Release: 13-2382-ATL (328)
Dec. 30, 2013
Contact: Lindsay Williams Michael D'Aquino
Phone: 404-562-2078 404-562-2076
Email: williams.lindsay.l@dol.gov d'aquino.michael@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites FCC Environmental LLC in
Georgia for exposing workers to lead and other hazards

SMYRNA, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited FCC Environmental LLC in Fairburn for nine health violations following an inspection at the Glock Inc. gun range in Smyrna. FCC Environmental was contracted by Glock to remove lead from its firing ranges. OSHA initiated the July inspection as part of the agency's national emphasis program on lead and has proposed $44,000 in penalties.

"FCC Environmental failed to take the necessary steps to protect workers against a potentially significant health hazard," said Christi Griffin, director of OSHA's Atlanta West Area Office. "Exposure to lead can damage the blood-forming, nervous, urinary and reproductive systems. Even short-term exposure can have damaging consequences. The employer must take action to implement and ensure proper safeguards are in place where workers may be exposed to lead."

The serious citations include the employer's failure to certify the workplace hazard assessment for cleaning the gun ranges and traps; conduct an initial workplace assessment to determine airborne lead concentration; and establish and implement a written compliance program for lead to reduce exposure by using engineering controls. Additionally, the employer failed to establish and implement a specific respiratory protection program for workers required to wear full face respirators; ensure shoveling, sweeping or brushing methods were not used to remove lead accumulation; provide clean changing rooms for workers exposed to lead above the permissible exposure limit; ensure that workers exposed to lead over the permissible exposure limit showered at the facility at the end of their shift to prevent cross-contamination; and post lead warning signs. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

The company, with headquarters in Houston, Texas, has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and proposed penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings 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 Atlanta West Area Office at 678-903-7301.

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 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 or CD from the COAST office upon request by calling 216-893-7828 or TTY 216-893-7755.