Trending
It's safe to say that everybody wants to see Mahoning Valley industry grow and thrive. Business success and profitability are keys to triggering even more local economic development and future job growth, after all.
But that profitability must never come at any cost. Worker safety and occupational health always must be priority No. 1.
We are extremely disappointed that it recently became clear that at least one new industrial plant in our Valley has fallen incredibly short in this regard.
Ultium Cells LLC, the new automotive battery cells factory in Lordstown, faces more than a quarter-million dollars in federal penalties after U.S. regulators found 19 health and safety violations in four separate inspections over a period of two weeks at the local factory.
The violations and subsequent fines recently were brought to light by the U.S. Department of Labor. The department's Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, cited the company with 17 serious and two other-than-serious violations.
Inspectors said they found that the company "exposed workers to machine and chemical hazards by failing to use and train workers on safety and emergency response procedures." OSHA also found the company did not comply with federally required safety standards regarding use of personal protective equipment, including respirators.
The inspections happened between April 24 and May 5 at the Tod Avenue factory, home to a joint venture between General Motors and South Korea's LG Energy Solution to mass produce battery cells for EVs.
The violations are extremely concerning, especially given that some 1,400 workers are employed at the Lordstown factory.
What's even more concerning is that this is not the first time the plant has been cited. In fact, since the local factory began production in August 2022, OSHA has cited the plant 11 times.
This must not stand.
Now, Ultium is promising to work with OSHA officials to resolve the issues.
Katie Burdette, Ultium Cells communications manager, said the company has requested a hearing with OSHA.
"We look forward to a constructive dialogue with OSHA and hope to resolve these issues quickly and reinforce our commitment to fostering a safety-first mindset among all Ultium team members."
Good.
It's only a shame that it has taken $270,000 in fines to get to this point.
In addition to the proposed fine, OSHA has asked Ultium Cells to voluntarily reduce metal dust accumulations and protect employees from unsafe metal dust exposure. We hope Ultium management demonstrates its commitment to safety and agrees to this voluntary action.
"Ultium Cells' technology and advanced manufacturing facilities are part of a new and emerging field but workplace safety standards -- such as machine guarding, personal protective equipment and emergency response training -- have been the law for decades," Howard Eberts, OSHA area director in Cleveland, said. "The company's focus on the future must include an emphasis on workplace safety to ensure the well-being of its employees."
Well said!
U.S. safety guidelines for industry exist to keep American workers safe. No worker ever should be forced to choose between making a living or his or her own personal safety.