Massachusetts Workers' Compensation Lawyer Blog
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited Carson Helicopters for eight serious violations at the Pennsylvania facility. Carson Helicopters is an FAA approved helicopter repair station that provides repair, overhaul, and manufacturing of all major helicopter models.These eight serious citations carry with them a proposed penalty of $40,500.
The eight serious violations included: spray booths containing combustible floor lining, no air flow measuring devices or fire extinguisher systems, exposure to hexavalent chromium above the permissible exposure limits, a lack of engineering controls to reduce exposures and a lack of a medical program for workers exposed to hexavalent chromium, as well as a monitoring program for workers exposed to hexavalent chromium.
Also, Carson failed to ensure the use of proper respiratory protection for workers while painting, failed to ensure there was a controlled area where exposure to hexavalent chromium exceeded permissible exposure level, failed to provide training on the hazards of hexavalent chromium exposure, failed to provide separate areas for street clothes and contaminated clothes, and failed to keep eating areas free of hexavalent chromium.
Hexavalent chromium is used for hardenability and corrosion resistance, unfortunately it is a carcinogen. Repetitive inhalation increases the risk of lung cancer; it also targets the respiratory system, kidneys, liver, skin and eyes.
Pulgini & Norton, LLP attorneys have handled workers’ compensation claims for over 25 years in and around Boston and its surrounding areas. If you or a family member has been injured at work and would like to seek legal assistance, please contact us at (781) 843-2200 or (888) 344-2046 or email us.
Cited Sources:
OSHA Cites Carson Helicopters For Exposing Workers To Hexavalent Chromium, AVStop.com, June 18, 2013
Perkasie, Pa., helicopter contractor cited by US Labor Department’s OSHA for exposing workers to chemical hazards; fined $40,500, osha.gov, June 18, 2013