Text For Citation: 01 Item/Group: 001A Hazard:

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that caused or were likely to cause death or serious physical harm in that employees were exposed to mercury poisoning: (a) On and after 01/18/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. Biological monitoring showed mercury levels from 8 to 65 ug/L, which are consistent with respiratory mercury exposure of at least 0.06 mg/m3, which exceeds the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 0.05 mg/m3. Employees experienced symptoms such as but not limited to neuropsychiatric problems, kidney damage, permanent balance impairment, and tremors. (b) On and after 3/01/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. The employer did not provide appropriate selection of personal protective equipment for the prevention of skin absorption. (c) On and after 01/18/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. The employer never developed a site control program to control employee exposure to hazardous substances. (d) On and after 01/18/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. The employer did not provide medical surveillance to employees who wore respirators for more than 30 days. (e) On and after 01/18/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. The employer did not provide medical examinations and consultations to employees when signs or symptoms indicating possible overexposure to hazardous substances were reported. (f) On and after 01/18/2016, employees were conducting mercury cleanup and abatement at GE Power and Water, Building 5, areas 3 and 4 East. Employees were exposed to inhalation and skin absorption hazards from liquid mercury and mercury vapors. Employees complained to employer about symptoms consistent with mercury exposure. The employer did not address PPE limitations during temperature extremes and heat stress.