Manufacturer settles lead exposure case

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and New York manufacturer have reached a settlement calling for the company to pay $40,000 in penalties and improve workplace safety and health after high levels of lead were found in a company facility.

OSHA found high levels of lead throughout the Acme Parts Inc. facility, presenting serious lead hazards to employees.

“Workers who ingest or inhale lead are at risk of serious lead-induced health hazards, including hypertension; cardiovascular, kidney, and neurological diseases; adverse reproductive effects; and cancer,” the department said Friday in a statement. 

Under the terms of the agreement, Acme Parts has agreed to hire a qualified lead hazards and abatement consultant to evaluate the facility and to recommend improved practices, according to the statement. 

“The fines and abatement measures packaged together will raise awareness among employers working with leaded brass about the potential serious health effects of occupational lead exposure. This result highlights the need for comprehensive risk assessment and implementation of policies, procedures, and equipment to reduce such exposure,” Jeffrey S. Rogoff, regional solicitor of labor, said in the statement. 

Acme Parts declined to comment.