OSHA says Kuusakoski’s Plainfield, Illinois, workers exposed to high levels of lead, cadmium

Workers separating circuit boards at a Plainfield, Illinois electronics recycling facility were found to be overexposed to high airborne concentrations of lead and cadmium, putting them at high risk for long-term damage to the central nervous, urinary, blood and reproductive systems, according to U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

OSHA inspectors determined that Kuusakoski US LLC failed to implement engineering controls and monitor employee exposure to these hazards, the agency says.

Kuusakoski received 26 serious OSHA health violations Sept. 28, 2015, including overexposure, according to the agency. Proposed penalties total $114,800.

"Lead and cadmium can cause irreversible health damage, but Kuusakoski's compliance programs lack information on controlling exposure levels and protecting workers through common-sense safety measures like wearing respirators and protective clothing," says Kathy Webb, OSHA area director in Calumet City, Illinois. "The company must protect the long-term health of employees exposed to these dangerous metals."

OSHA says it also cited Kuusakoski for the following violations:

• failing to train workers on lead, cadmium and chemical hazards;
• not implementing a respiratory protection program;
• failing to have a hearing conservation program;
• failing to provide protective clothing;
• not offering showers or a separate lunch facility to prevent lead contamination and ingestion; and
• lacking housekeeping procedures to remove lead and prevent employee exposure.
  
  

Founded in Finland in 1914, Kuusakoski recycles metal and electronics, with operations on three continents. Plainfield is the site of its U.S. headquarters.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.

Kuusakoski could not be reached immediately for comment.