WATSONTOWN — Federal workplace safety officials say Watsontown Brick Company knowingly exposed employees to unsafe levels of silica dust. OSHA has proposed nearly a half-million dollars in penalties against parent company General Shale Brick.
OSHA says workers in Plant 3 breathed silica above safe limits and were not required to wear respirators. Inspectors also cited failures involving respirator fit testing, regulated areas, exposure monitoring and required medical exams.
The agency issued three willful, four serious, one repeat and one other-than-serious violation. The company has 15 business days to comply, seek an informal conference or contest the findings. More information is available at osha.gov.
