OSHA Cites Illinios-based Allied Waterproofing for Exposing Workers to Respiratory and Hearing Hazards
Willowbrook, IL (WorkersCompensation.com) – 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.