Manufacturer cited for exposing workers to excessive noise

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a container manufacturer for exposing employees to excessive noise after 12 employees’ audiograms indicated mild to moderate hearing loss at its manufacturing plant in Stow, Ohio.

Polystar Inc., doing business as Polystar Containment, is facing penalties totaling $331,490, the agency said Thursday in a statement.

OSHA investigators, responding to a complaint, determined that the company failed to implement an audiometric testing program to monitor employee hearing loss and controls to reduce noise levels, failed to use machine guards, failed to provide adequate respiratory protection, failed to remove damaged forklifts from use, failed to train workers on hazardous communication, and failed to store flammable materials properly, according to the statement.

“Failing to protect employees from excessive noise can lead to long-term and irreversible hearing loss,” said OSHA Cleveland area office director Howard Eberts in the statement. “Employers are required to take appropriate precautions to keep employees safe from well-known hazards.”

An official with Polystar Containment did not wish to comment.