Region 7 News Release: 13-2450-KAN
Dec. 18, 2013
Contact: Scott Allen Rhonda Burke
Phone: 312-353-6976
Email: allen.scott@dol.gov burke.rhonda@dol.gov

US Labor Department's OSHA cites Grandstand Sportswear and
Glassware for hazards associated with lead, cadmium and inorganic arsenic

LAWRENCE, Kan. – Screen It Graphics of Lawrence, which conducts business as Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration for 27 safety and health violations at the manufacturing facility. An OSHA inspection was prompted by a referral from a local health department and conducted as part of the agency's national emphasis program for lead. Proposed fines total $119,000.

OSHA conducted wipe samples and personal air sampling to detect lead, cadmium and inorganic arsenic in the facility that produces personalized bar and glassware, apparel and business items. The wipe samples detected all three contaminants, and personal air monitoring found airborne concentrations of cadmium above the action level.

"Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware's failure to implement basic safety procedures to monitor and prevent employee's exposure to lead and other hazardous chemicals led to serious health risks," said Judy Freeman, OSHA's area director in Wichita. "Employers must maintain a safe and healthful working environment."

A total of 21 serious health violations include failing to:

-Ensure that all surfaces were maintained as free as practicable from arsenic, lead and cadmium.
-Develop and implement a housekeeping and maintenance plan and ensure the use of effective cleaning methods for these contaminants.
-Train workers on hazards of materials containing contaminants and to use personal protective equipment.
-Monitor exposure to materials.
-Provide clean changing rooms to prevent cross-contamination with street clothing.
-Determine the airborne concentrations of lead, cadmium and inorganic arsenic.
-Provide coveralls and other personal protective clothing, such as gloves and shoe coverlets.
-Develop an effective respiratory protection program, including medical evaluation, training and fit testing workers for proper respiratory equipment.

An OSHA violation is serious if death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard an employer knew or should have known existed.

The agency opened a separate safety investigation after observing hazards during the health investigation. Six serious safety violations were found, including failing to establish an effective lockout/tagout program to prevent the unintentional operation of machinery; provide machine guarding; prevent electrical shock hazards due to improper and damaged wiring; and ensure knockouts on junction boxes and covers on live electrical parts to prevent exposure.

The citations can be viewed at: http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ScreenItGraphicsofLawrence_912561_1216_13.pdf* http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/ScreenItGraphicsofLawrence_924174_1216_13.pdf*

Grandstand Sportswear and Glassware employs 95 workers at this facility. The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the citations and 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 Wichita Area Office at 316-269-6644.

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.

###

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 242-693-7828 or TTY 242-693-7755.

* Accessibility Assistance Contact OSHA's Office of Communications at 202-693-1999 for assistance accessing PDF materials.