Ignoring Lead Safety Regulations Cost Several Companies Up to $10K

Dozens of small businesses located throughout the Midwest were caught violating the Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting and lead-disclosure rules. An inspection sting caught contractors, property owners and workers ignoring these two rules and for that, the companies were fined up to $10,000.  However, inspectors fined two contractors in Missouri and Kansas an estimated $90,000 for failing to protect workers from lead dust.

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Industry anticipates that inspectors will reach other regions of the country in response to the number of companies out of compliance.

Why is lead so bad?  Lead is known to cause developmental and behavioral problems amongst children.  Workers who are exposed to lead dust or fumes may expose their children when they return home after work by having lead dust on their clothes or equipment.

Overexposure to lead caused by inhaling or ingesting lead dust and fumes causes lead poisoning in adults and children.  Symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation
• High blood pressure
• Joint or muscle pain
• Declines in mental functioning
• Pain, numbness, or tingling of extremities
• Headaches
• Memory loss
• Mood disorders
• Fertility issues in both men and women, including harm to fetuses

Luckily, there are administrative and engineering controls for employers to utilize and limit  worker exposure to lead.  Make sure employees receive lead awareness training as part of their new hire or annual refresher safety training.  Additionally, employers can opt to substitute lead-based materials for less hazardous materials, isolate and create a containment area where lead exposure is most prevalent, and use ventilation systems to capture lead particles.

Need Lead Awareness Training?  Contact an SRP Safety Trainer Today! Call Us at 866.222.4972 For More Information.

Established in 1996, SRP Environmental has become turnkey consulting firm offering environmental, health and safety solutions to organizations in construction, manufacturing, agricultural, oil and gas, healthcare and property management industries.  SRP has seven convenient locations in Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Honolulu, Midland, Shreveport and Pittsburgh to better serve their clients.