Waupaca Foundry Inc., Marinette: OSHA silica citation

Inspection reason: A worker lost two fingers to amputation in a May 4 incident, which OSHA investigated. Under the National Emphasis Program for Primary Metals, OSHA also opened a second scheduled inspection. After the employer reported that an overhead hot metal carrier hit a worker on July 17, a third inspection began.

Silica dust: the findings

• Respirable crystalline silica levels went past the personal exposure limit for workers.
• The controls meant to cut silica exposure, both engineering and administrative, weren't adequate.
• Dry sweeping, plus cleaning done with compressed air, played a part in how much silica workers were exposed to.

More hazards in that same citation

• Workers faced danger in both injury incidents because lockout/tagout procedures for energy control were missing.
• Machine guarding was inadequate. Other hazards included falls to a lower level, pit openings only partly covered that created trip hazards, and fixed ladders in damaged condition.
• Controls to cut excessive noise exposure, whether engineering or administrative, were also inadequate.

The employer's time to answer the citation: Once cited, the company had 15 working days after it received its citations and penalties. It could comply, ask OSHA's area director for an informal conference, or dispute the findings at the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

For anyone who worked at Waupaca Foundry

The sand used in molds and cores puts silica into the air foundry workers breathe, and so does cleaning castings. Silicosis claims usually begin with workers' comp when the job was at Waupaca Foundry in Marinette. A lawyer can also see if the manufacturer of the materials or equipment can be sued.