Region 5 News Release: 12-1463-CHI
Aug. 3, 2012
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Willowbrook, Ill.-based
Allied Waterproofing for exposing workers to respiratory, hearing hazards

WILLOWBROOK, Ill. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Allied Waterproofing Inc. in Willowbrook with five health violations¬, including four repeat violations of OSHA's respiratory protection and hearing conservation standards, found during an inspection of a Chicago parking structure under repair. Proposed penalties total $56,700.

The April inspection was initiated under OSHA's National Emphasis Program on Silica, which targets work sites where employees are at risk for developing silicosis from exposure to dust containing respirable crystalline silica. Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by breathing in a large amount of silica.

The repeat violations involve failing to ensure that air compressors used to supply breathing air were equipped with high temperature and/or carbon monoxide alarms, employees required to use a respirator were provided medical evaluations, and an effective hearing conservation program was maintained. A repeat violation exists when an employer previously has been cited for the same or a similar violation of a standard, regulation, rule or order at any other facility in federal enforcement states within the last five years. Similar violations were cited at a Rolling Meadows job site in 2007 and 2008.

One serious violation is failing to annually conduct fit testing for workers who wear respirators. 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.

"Employers are responsible for establishing a safe environment and providing workers with the equipment necessary to remain safe on the job," said Diane Turek, director of OSHA's Chicago North Area Office in Des Plaines. "Companies issued citations for repeat violations show a disregard for worker safety and health. OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job."

Allied Waterproofing Inc. performs concrete restoration and repairs. Prior to this inspection, the company had been inspected by OSHA four times since 2007, resulting in citations for 23 violations.

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