OSHA has cited Dlubak Glass Co. for 15 alleged health – including willful and repeat – violations, many of them related to the presence of lead, following a March inspection at one of its two Upper Sandusky, Ohio plants. Proposed fines total $126,700.

The inspection was initiated following a complaint that workers were being exposed to lead and not provided adequate personal protective equipment in the plant. Lead exposure can cause damage to the nervous system, kidneys, blood-forming organs and reproductive system if inhaled or ingested in dangerous quantities. A willful violation has been cited for failing to make an initial determination of worker's exposure to lead.

One repeat violation has been cited for failing to maintain a lunch room free from lead dust and residue. Dlubak Glass Co. was cited for this housekeeping violation in March 2011 at their main facility in Upper Sandusky.

Thirteen serious violations primarily involve violations of the lead standard, including failing to implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce exposure, record initial exposure levels to cadmium, provide clean changing rooms or separate storage facilities for protective work clothing to prevent cross-contamination with street clothes and provide medical surveillance for exposure to lead. The remaining serious violations include dry sweeping lead; noise overexposure; a lack of hazard communication procedures; and failing to provide head as well as other adequate personal protective equipment against glass, lead and cadmium hazards.

The current citations may be viewed at http://www.osha.gov/ooc/citations/DlubakGlassCompany_281754_0919_12.pdf*.

Due to the willful and repeat violations and the nature of the hazards, OSHA has placed Dlubak Glass Co. in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which mandates targeted follow-up inspections to ensure compliance with the law. The program focuses on recalcitrant employers that endanger workers by committing willful, repeat or failure-to-abate violations. For more information about the program, visit http://s.dol.gov/J3.

Dlubak Glass Co. was founded in 1932 in Natrona Heights, Pa. The company serves the automotive, lighting, plate, fiberglass, container and specialty glass industries, with six plants located in Natrona Heights and Upper Sandusky, Ohio; Lawrenceburg, Ky.; Waxahachie, Texas; Okmulgee, Okla.; and Yuma, Ariz.