Recycling Company Cited for OSHA Violations Involving Formaldehyde Exposure Issues

In February, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published an article about multiple violations that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) claims occurred at a Wisconsin plant that refurbishes industrial containers. According to the report, OSHA issued multiple citations with proposed penalties of over $15,000. The agency’s actions involved a number of health and safety issues, including concerns about worker exposure to formaldehyde and a lack of employee training on the dangers of mercury.

The article reports that OSHA conducted air sampling at the facility and found levels of formaldehyde that were just below its action level. The agency claims that employees had not been adequately trained to handle the chemical or instructed on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Formaldehyde is a sensitizing agent that can cause an immune system response upon initial exposure and is also a cancer hazard according to OSHA. Acute exposure is highly irritating to the eyes, nose and throat and can make anyone exposed cough and wheeze. Subsequent exposure may cause severe allergic reactions of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. Ingestion of formaldehyde can be fatal and long-term exposure to low levels in the air or on the skin can cause asthma-like respiratory problems and skin irritation such as dermatitis and itching. Concentrations of 100 ppm are immediately dangerous to life and health (IDLH).

“No company wants to face OSHA penalties involving exposure hazards and PPE for their employees,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “At EMSL, we offer environmental and industrial hygiene testing services along with all of the sampling supplies needed to identify exposure risks and concerns so they can be addressed. We also provide a complete line of personal protective equipment to help companies comply with wide range of health and safety regulations.”

To learn more about environmental, occupational, health and safety testing services, sampling supplies, monitoring equipment and available PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email  info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical, Inc. is one of the leading testing laboratories with 43 locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOC’s, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations.  In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail