History Construction Cited for Exposing Workers to Lead

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited History Construction Management in Odell, Illinois for 22 serious violations. The complaints involve exposing workers to airborne lead. Proposed fines total $59,200 and the company has fifteen business days to dispute the citations and penalties.

According to the company’s official website, History Construction specializes in the restoration of wood windows and architectural elements in adherence to the strictest interpretations of national historic preservation policies. The company stands by its dedication to the preservation of the built environment and conservation of the earth’s resources through retention and adaptive reuse of historic architectural elements and the utilization of environmentally friendly materials and methods.

Fifteen of the citations involve failure to comply with OSHA’s lead standard. These violations include the following.

• Failure to initiate engineering and work practice controls to minimize exposure.

• Lack of clean protective clothing.

• Clean changing rooms or separate storage facilities to prevent contamination of clothing were not provided.

• Eating areas were not free from lead dust accumulation.

• Employees did not receive training on lead and post lead hazards and warning signs.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited History Construction for  five violations related to the respiratory protection standard. These violations involved failing to implement a respirator protection program that includes proper respirator selection, medical evaluation, fit testing, and training. Other serious violations were related to flexible electrical cords as a substitute for fixed wiring and improperly altering electrical cords. Serious violations occur when there is a risk of death or severe physical harm.

Tom Bielema, director of OSHA’s Peoria Area Office, emphasized History Construction is obligated to reduce hazards and exposures. Workers must be trained to recognize lead hazards and become familiar with preventive measures necessary to protect their health.