Aludyne Columbus LLC, Columbus: OSHA silica citation

Inspection reason: It began as a complaint inspection. A second investigation followed after an arc flash, an electrical transformer explosion, severely injured a maintenance technician.

Silica dust: the findings

• Respirable silica exposures for workers peaked at 15 times the time-weighted average that's permitted.
• NIOSH-approved respirators weren't provided to workers facing silica hazards.
• No fit tests were done for workers who needed respirators around crystalline silica.

Other hazards that this citation also lists

• Workers swapped electrical parts inside an energized high-voltage area without being required to wear electrical suits with proper certification. Their tools weren't insulated, and they were used about 12 inches from energized power lines.
• Protective gear like goggles and gloves wasn't given to workers handling chemicals.
• Debris wasn't kept away from an emergency eye wash station, and the station wasn't kept ready for use right away.

The employer's time to answer the citation: The citation came first. After that, the employer contested the findings with the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission, an independent body.

If your job was at Aludyne Columbus

Sand for molds and cores puts silica into the air foundry workers breathe, and so does cleaning castings. A silicosis claim usually begins with workers' comp for anyone who worked at Aludyne Columbus in Columbus. A lawyer can also see if there's a case against a manufacturer of materials or equipment.