OSHA Cites Manufacturer for Exposing Employees to Beryllium Dust

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Brush Wellman Inc. for safety violations that include exposing its employees to high levels of beryllium dust. Brush Wellman is the country's top producer of beryllium, a lightweight metal used in the automotive, electronics, and defense industries.

OSHA proposed $49,950 in fines against the company, for 19 safety violations found at the Brush Wellman facility in Elmore, OH. According to the agency, 15 of the violations were classified as serious, including improper wiring and warnings that downplayed the risk of beryllium exposure. OSHA defines a serious violation as one in which there is a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result, and the employer knew, or should have known, of the hazard.

Inhalation of beryllium dust can cause beryllium disease, a serious, often fatal, lung disease. Approximately 780 people work at the facility, and Brush Wellman acknowledged that exposure to beryllium has made some of them ill. A company spokesman said that some of the violations have already been corrected and the company is working to correct the rest. He pointed out that none of the violations was a willful or repeat violation.

The OSHA inspection began in June, following an employee complaint. The company has 15 days from the date of the citation to appeal.