H2: Interesting OSHA Health Cases – Facts From the Field, Part 1
Tue, 5/20: 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
00444
Education Session
00444
Education Session
Kansas City Convention Center
Room: 2505 A
CM Credit Hours: 1
Description
This session will review the findings of two of OSHA's most interesting health enforcement cases:
Lead Exposures in a Battery Recycling Plant
This is a case study involving worker exposure to lead in a battery recycling plant. The case was a media referral from a local newspaper. The newspaper had investigated and published several articles regarding overexposure to lead and other toxic chemicals and inappropriate use of PPE. Medical records were reviewed, and air and wipe samples were collected. Results showed employees overexposed to levels of lead that also exceeded the maximum use concentration of their respirators.
Asphyxiation and Dermal Hazards During Ice Cream Manufacturing
This is a case study of worker exposure to asphyxiation and dermal hazards during ice cream manufacturing. The company used hundreds of gallons of liquid nitrogen per shift without adequate ventilation. Workers were also exposed to dermal hazards from improper handling of dry ice. OSHA issued several citations and Hazard Alert Letters (HALs) to the company. Liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are increasingly being used in flash-freezing operations, including food processing. In response to this inspection and other fatal incidents, OSHA published a nationwide hazard alert in late 2024 covering hazards and controls for these processes.
Lead Exposures in a Battery Recycling Plant
This is a case study involving worker exposure to lead in a battery recycling plant. The case was a media referral from a local newspaper. The newspaper had investigated and published several articles regarding overexposure to lead and other toxic chemicals and inappropriate use of PPE. Medical records were reviewed, and air and wipe samples were collected. Results showed employees overexposed to levels of lead that also exceeded the maximum use concentration of their respirators.
Asphyxiation and Dermal Hazards During Ice Cream Manufacturing
This is a case study of worker exposure to asphyxiation and dermal hazards during ice cream manufacturing. The company used hundreds of gallons of liquid nitrogen per shift without adequate ventilation. Workers were also exposed to dermal hazards from improper handling of dry ice. OSHA issued several citations and Hazard Alert Letters (HALs) to the company. Liquid nitrogen and carbon dioxide are increasingly being used in flash-freezing operations, including food processing. In response to this inspection and other fatal incidents, OSHA published a nationwide hazard alert in late 2024 covering hazards and controls for these processes.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, the participant will be able to:
• Recognize hazards in the subject work operations.
• Conduct an exposure assessment for the identified hazards.
• Choose appropriate controls to mitigate the hazards.
• Describe OSHA's approach to inspections for workplace H&S issues.
• Recognize hazards in the subject work operations.
• Conduct an exposure assessment for the identified hazards.
• Choose appropriate controls to mitigate the hazards.
• Describe OSHA's approach to inspections for workplace H&S issues.
Content Level
Intermediate
Interactive Session Experience
Q&A
Organizational Category
Corporation/Company
Primary Industry
All Industries
Manufacturing
Topics
Also part of the Virtual Program
Available as part of AIHA Connect OnDemand
Chemical Hazards
Engineering Controls and Ventilation
Hazard Recognition/Exposure Assessment