Safety

Nemak USA Inc. Workers Diagnosed with Lung Disease

March 18, 2019

The company manufactures automotive aluminum castings.

Three workers at Sheboygan, Wisc.-based Nemak USA were diagnosed with occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis, a debilitating lung disease.

After a medical referral, OSHA inspected the automotive aluminum castings manufacturing facility in August 2018 and found the company failed to protect its employees.

“Employers using these materials in their production must ensure that good hygiene practices are followed, and fluids are properly managed to protect employees from potential lung damage,” said Appleton Area Office Director Robert Bonack.

OSHA discovered Nemak USA failed to evaluate respiratory hazards. Because of this, the company's workers were exposed to metalworking fluids used on aluminum during the manufacturing process.

The company faces penalties of $26,520 for two serious health violations, the maximum penalty allowed by law.

Nemak USA has 15 days to respond to the findings through compliance, requesting an informal conference with OSHA’s area director or by contesting the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.