Aludyne, a global manufacturer of aluminum, magnesium, and iron cast automotive components, is under scrutiny from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for safety violations at its Columbus subsidiary in Georgia. The investigation was initiated following an employee complaint inspection last August.
During the inspection, OSHA discovered that a 41-year-old maintenance technician had sustained severe injuries in an electrical transformer explosion just six days after the investigation began. This prompted OSHA to open a second investigation specifically related to the incident.
The OSHA investigations resulted in citations for Aludyne Columbus, including 22 serious violations and three other-than-serious violations. Some of the key violations identified by OSHA include:
Failure to Require Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Aludyne Columbus did not ensure that employees wore certified electrical suits while changing out electrical components in a high-voltage energized area. Workers were also found using non-insulated tools within approximately 12 inches of energized power lines.
Exposure to Respirable Silica: Workers were exposed to an airborne concentration of respirable silica up to 15 times above the permissible time-weighted average. Additionally, the company failed to provide approved respirators to employees exposed to silicosis hazards.
Lack of PPE for Chemical Handling: Aludyne Columbus did not provide proper PPE, such as goggles and gloves, to workers handling chemicals.
OSHA Atlanta-West Area Office Director Jeffery Stawowy expressed concern about Aludyne Columbus LLC’s failure to prioritize employee safety and health, stating that it nearly cost a worker their life.
The proposed penalties by OSHA amount to $182,344, as determined by federal statute. However, the company has contested the findings. The citation underscores the importance of maintaining and enforcing safety protocols in workplaces to prevent accidents and injuries.