"Three Employees Develop Occupational Lung Disease...."

The use of fluids during various manufacturing processes is common throughout our industry. Here is a recent story involving the health hazard to workers by the metalworking fluid used during production.  

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited an aluminium foundry – for exposing workers to metalworking fluids used on aluminum after three employees were diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a debilitating lung disease. The company faces penalties of $26,520 for two serious health violations, the maximum penalty allowed by law.

OSHA initiated an inspection at the company’s automotive aluminum castings manufacturing facility in August 2018 after receiving a medical referral. OSHA cited the company for failing to protect the employees from exposure to airborne metalworking fluids during machining operations, and failing to evaluate respiratory hazards.

“Employers using these materials in their production must ensure that good hygiene practices are followed, and fluids are properly managed to protect employees from potential lung damage,” said local Area Office Director.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to help ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov.

We pray that the injured workers recover fully from their disease. On our plant tours around the industry we can easily tell if the plant has an issue with controlling their metalworking fluids. How? We simply look at the ceiling of the plant. If the ceiling is dark in color we assume that is because of metalworking fluid atomizing and rising to the ceiling.

Visit the OSHA Metalworking Fluids web page for information on evaluating exposure, and effective exposure prevention programs. Here is the link to this page.

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