Workplace Safety Violations: OSHA Fines Manufacturer $77K

For the second time in less than six months, OSHA found serious safety violations at a battery manufacturer in Georgia.

SK Battery America Inc., a global electric vehicle battery manufacturer, faces $77,200 in fines.

Workers exposed to respiratory hazards in fire

In October 2023, a lithium battery fire occurred at the manufacturer’s Commerce plant. Several workers suffered potentially permanent respiratory damage.

An OSHA investigation determined the manufacturer “failed to train its employees on how to protect themselves adequately in the toxic atmosphere that left multiple workers injured.”

OSHA finds safety violations

The agency cited SK Battery for five serious violations:

• Exposing workers to inhalation hazards, including hydrofluoric acid vapors produced in lithium battery fires by failing to establish a complete emergency response plan.
• Failing to ensure their staffing agency, Moveret Inc., who supplied workers at the site, made their employees aware of the hazards associated with lithium battery fires.
• Failing to train on-site emergency responders and members of the fire brigade on hazards associated with lithium battery fires and equip them to treat employees exposed to such hazards.
• Failing to train workers on hazardous chemicals in their work areas and a means to protect themselves from lithium battery fires.
• Failing to annually fit-test workers required to utilize tight-fitting facepiece respirators.

OSHA has assessed the company $77,200 in proposed penalties.

Repeat offender

Less than six months ago, in December 2023, OSHA cited SK Battery for exposing its employees to unsafe levels of nickel and other metals. The manufacturer was fined $75,449 for that incident.

SK Battery was also issued a citation for a hazard found during an inspection of the company’s energy control program in January 2024. The manufacturer contested that citation, which is currently under review.

“On multiple occasions in less than a year, we have found SK Battery America failing in their responsibility to meet required federal standards designed to help every worker end their shift safely,” said OSHA Area Office Director Joshua Turner in Atlanta-East. “While emerging industries bring innovation and employment opportunities to our communities, they must also ensure that the safety of the people they employ is their priority. When employers fail to provide safe and healthful workplaces, OSHA will hold them accountable.”