Chicago firms cited for exposing workers to lead, other safety hazards
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The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited three Chicago-based companies that worked on the renovation of Chicago’s Old Post Office for failing to protect employees from lead and cadmium exposure, with combined proposed penalties of $220,497.
An OSHA inspection in August found that American Demolition Corp., Valor Technologies Inc. and Tecnica Environmental Services Inc. “failed to comply with OSHA’s respiratory protection, provide training, and properly handle personal protective equipment,” the department said Wednesday in a statement.
Additionally, American Demolition was cited for failing to establish a written lead compliance program. Proposed penalties for American Demolition, Valor and Tecnica are $105,765, $64,538 and $50,194, respectively, according to the statement.
“It is well known that exposure to lead can cause chronic adverse health effects. Employers must monitor lead hazards and limit employee exposure through proper respiratory use, personal protective equipment, and training,” Angelina Loftus, Des Plaines, Illinois, area office OSHA director, said in the statement.
Tecnica Environmental Services declined to comment. American Demolition Corp. and Valor Technologies could not be immediately reached for comment.
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