Region 5 News Release: 13-1035-CHI
June 19, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department cites Advanced Strobe Products with proposed fines of
more than $50,000 for worker exposure to acid, lead without proper protection

HARWOOD HEIGHTS, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Advanced Strobe Products Inc. with 16 health and safety violations carrying proposed fines of $50,785. OSHA investigated the company's facility in Harwood Heights after receipt of a complaint about a worker receiving emergency medical care for a leg burn due to an acid spill. The company failed to provide and ensure the use of proper personal protective equipment for the worker.

"Advanced Strobe Products Inc. has a responsibility to protect workers from exposure to acid, hazardous chemicals, lead and cadmium used in their manufacturing facility," said Diane Turek, OSHA's area director for the Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines. "OSHA takes complaints of worker injuries and exposure to hazardous materials seriously, and is committed to protecting workers on the job and educating employers about safety and health regulations."

A total of 15 serious violations were cited, including failure to ensure use of personal protective equipment, such as impervious aprons, boots, and eye and face protection to prevent exposure to acid and other hazardous materials; provide an emergency eyewash station in the acid room; develop a respiratory protection program; and ensure the use of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health-certified respirators for the hazards present. The company also failed to provide medical evaluations and fit-testing for workers required to use respirators.

OSHA also cited the lack of machine guarding on a welder; failure to train workers on safety precautions and the use of hazardous chemicals, such as acid, lead and cadmium, surfaces not maintained free of lead and cadmium; not developing a hazard communication program; and for the use of a spray booth constructed of wood, which is a combustible material. 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.

One other-than-serious violation was cited for failing to record the acid spill injury that occurred in January 2013 on the OSHA injury and illness log. OSHA initiated the complaint inspection in February. An other-than-serious violation is one that has a direct relationship to job safety and health, but probably would not cause death or serious physical harm.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and 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 Chicago North Area Office at 847-803-4800.

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 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.