Wisconsin manufacturing company cited in death of worker
A 55-year-old worker who was found unresponsive in a restroom at Bremer Manufacturing Co. Inc. on May 6, 2014 later died. The man, who had been employed at the Elkhart Lake foundry for the past 38 years, worked with resin-containing isocyanates on the sand molding line. Following an inspection, OSHA found that the company failed to train workers on the physical and health hazards of chemicals in the workplace. The agency has cited the company for one willful, one repeat and one serious health violation.
"This inspection focused on employees who work with hazardous chemicals including a resin-containing isocyanates, which can cause employee sensitization. Isocyanates can cause chest tightness, trouble breathing and irritation to the lungs, eyes, nose, throat and skin. Even when exposure limits are below permissible levels, workers can experience health consequences, especially if they have other health risks and are exposed to chemicals on a routine basis," said Robert Bonack, OSHA's area director in Appleton.