
PRAIRIE DU SAC, WI — The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Prairie du Sac, WI-based Milwaukee Valve Company Inc. for exposing employees to lead and copper dust at rates higher than the permissible exposure levels. OSHA has proposed $171,628 in penalties to the industrial valve manufacturing company.
"Chronic exposures to lead, copper and other metal dusts can result in long-term health issues, such as lung and nervous system damage," said OSHA Madison Area Director Chad Greenwood. "Employers must provide personal protective equipment to employees working with toxic metals, and take appropriate steps to minimize worker exposure."
OSHA's Lead and Cadmium webpages provide information on the health effects from exposure to these metals, and options for controlling exposure.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.