OSHA cites aircraft maker for exposing workers to carcinogen

Sander working on airplane window/ SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited aircraft manufacturer Spirit Aerosystems Inc. for exposing employees to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen.

The Wichita, Kansas, company faces proposed penalties totaling $194,006 for one willful and five serious violations, OSHA said Wednesday in a statement.

OSHA investigators found that the defense contractor exposed employees to airborne concentrations of hexavalent chromium nearly two times the permissible exposure limit, OSHA said.

The company failed to implement sufficient feasible engineering and work practice controls to prevent exposure, conduct monitoring or sampling, provide training, and require employees to properly remove potentially contaminated personal protective equipment and clothing before leaving the sanding area, OSHA said.

“This company failed to protect their employees from exposure to a known carcinogen,” said OSHA acting Wichita area office director Ryan Hodge in the statement. “Employers are required to continually evaluate their facilities for hazards and use the proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthy.”

Spirit Aerosystems Inc. could not be reached for comment.