US Department of Labor finds Augusta battery manufacturer exposing employees to unsafe lead levels, other hazards

Summary:

A recent OSHA investigation at U.S. Battery Mfg. Augusta Inc. in Augusta, Georgia, found that the company exposed employees to unsafe levels of lead, violating Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. The investigation discovered that employees were not properly protected from lead exposure, and the company failed to implement engineering and work practice controls to reduce exposure levels. OSHA issued two repeat citations and two serious citations, proposing penalties of $160,727. This is not the first time U.S. Battery has been cited for lead exposure violations, with multiple previous instances dating back to 2018. The company has 15 business days to comply with the citations and penalties or contest the findings.