OSHA has cited Cleveland Brothers Inc. – doing business as CB HYMAC – for exposing workers to hexavalent chromium fumes and other safety hazards at the company’s shop in Camp Hill, Penn.

The company, which provides hydraulic service and repair, machining and chroming services, was cited for one willful violation and 18 serious and two other-than-serious citations. Cleveland Brothers faces $280,874 in penalties.

OSHA initiated an investigation in July 2019 after receiving a complaint of overexposure to the toxic chemical. OSHA also cited the company for failing to train employees on the hazards of hexavalent chromium and maintain a respiratory protection program.

“Occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium can result in significant adverse health effects for employees,” said OSHA Harrisburg Area Director David Olah in a press release issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. “Engineering controls must be implemented and affected employees must be trained to recognize the hazards of this toxic chemical.”

OSHA’s hexavalent chromium webpage provides resources on protecting employees from health and safety hazards caused by the toxic chemical, including the Small Entity Compliance Guide for the Hexavalent Chromium Standards.

“Employers must continually evaluate their facilities for hazards and use proper safety controls and equipment to protect workers’ safety,” said Loren Sweatt, principal deputy assistant secretary of labor for Occupational Safety and Health, in the release. “OSHA provides free resources to help employers comply with hexavalent chromium standards.”