Mercury poisoning is a serious issue that can lead to long-term health consequences, including brain and kidney damage and respiratory problems. The recent case of Kessler Thermometer Corp. in West Babylon, NY, shows the dangers of mercury exposure and the need for proper workplace safety measures.
The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted an investigation in August 2022 and found that the company had overexposed its employees to airborne elemental mercury. The workers were exposed while distilling and purifying mercury, filling thermometers, blowing glass, and calibrating and engraving thermometers and hydrometers.
OSHA inspectors determined that the company had allowed the airborne concentration of the toxic metal to exceed the 8-hour, time-weighted average based on biological exposure indices. As a result, the workers were severely sickened by the exposure.
Kessler Thermometer Corp. was cited for 21 violations, including 18 serious violations, one willful violation, and two other-than-serious violations. The company was proposed a penalty of $195,988.
The violations included the company’s failure to provide engineering controls to reduce mercury exposure, complete and effective respiratory protection and chemical hazard communication programs, appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing, an emergency response plan to handle cleanup of spilled mercury, and eating and food storage areas free of mercury exposure. The company also failed to provide an emergency shower and appropriate first aid, proper labeling for all hazardous chemical containers, recording of all recordable work-related injuries and illnesses, and reporting a work-related incident resulting in in-patient hospitalization due to mercury poisoning.
OSHA Area Director Kevin Sullivan in Westbury, New York, stated that “Kessler Thermometer Corp. knowingly endangered the lives and health of their employees by ignoring basic safeguards to control hazardous mercury in the workplace and failed to acknowledge its employees were being sickened by mercury exposure. This company has been operating for about 20 years and knows the dangers their workers face.”
Kessler Thermometer Corp. operates an 8,000-square-foot laboratory and manufacturing facility in West Babylon, and its current ownership has operated the company since 2002.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems when inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin. In the workplace, mercury exposure can occur through several routes, including inhalation of vapors or dust, skin contact, and ingestion. Industries that may have workers exposed to mercury include manufacturing, mining, refining, and health care.
Mercury exposure can cause a range of health problems, including neurological symptoms, such as tremors and mood changes, as well as kidney damage, respiratory problems, and skin rashes. In severe cases, mercury poisoning can lead to coma and death.
To protect workers from mercury exposure, it is essential to implement proper workplace safety measures. These measures may include engineering controls, such as ventilation systems and enclosures, personal protective equipment, such as respirators and gloves, and proper training and education.
Employers must also have proper hazard communication programs in place to inform workers about the potential dangers of mercury exposure and how to protect themselves. Emergency response plans should be developed and practiced to ensure that workers know how to respond in case of a mercury spill or other emergency.
Employers should also ensure that workers have access to appropriate first aid and medical care in case of exposure. In addition, all work-related injuries and illnesses should be recorded and reported to OSHA.
Mercury exposure is a serious workplace hazard that can lead to long-term health consequences. Employers must take steps to protect their workers from exposure to mercury and other hazardous substances. This includes conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential hazards and implementing appropriate control measures.
In addition to protecting workers, employers also have a legal obligation to comply with workplace safety regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant penalties and legal consequences.
Employers must also provide workers with appropriate training and education to help them understand the risks of mercury exposure and how to protect themselves. This includes training on proper handling and use of mercury, as well as instruction on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of mercury poisoning.
Workers who are exposed to mercury should seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help prevent long-term health consequences and improve the chances of a full recovery. Workers should also report any incidents of mercury exposure to their employer and OSHA.
The case of Kessler Thermometer Corp. highlights the dangers of mercury exposure in the workplace and the importance of proper workplace safety measures. Employers must take steps to protect their workers from exposure to mercury and other hazardous substances, including implementing appropriate control measures, providing appropriate training and education, and ensuring access to medical care in case of exposure. Failure to comply with workplace safety regulations can result in significant penalties and legal consequences, as well as jeopardize the health and safety of workers.
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