OSHA investigators have determined that Spirit Aerosystems Inc. exposed employees to airborne concentrations of hexavalent chromium nearly double the permissible exposure limit. Hexavalent chromium is a known carcinogen.

The Kansas-based aircraft manufacturer faces proposed penalties totaling $194,006 for one willful and five serious violations.

OSHA says the company failed to implement sufficient feasible engineering and work practice controls to prevent exposure, conduct monitoring or sampling, provide training, and require employees to properly remove potentially contaminated personal protective equipment and clothing before leaving the sanding area.

“This company failed to protect their employees from exposure to a known carcinogen,” said OSHA Acting Wichita Area Office Director Ryan Hodge. “Employers are required to continually evaluate their facilities for hazards, and use the proper safety controls and equipment to keep their worksites safe and healthy.”

View citations issued to Spirit Aerosystems Inc.