These cases have been reviewed by OSHA, and given to the Labor attorney for review and negotiation. The cases are quite detailed, so all the particulars are not listed here, only the highlighted results. Detailed specifics of all case reports are available in the TWU 514 safety office and are available for review.
• Complaint # 2081113770-(Hangar 3A) —Six alleged violations. Violations were concerning hexavalent chromium sanding practices. All alleged violations dismissed due to insufficient evidences, viable historical air samplings, and current practices and air samplings at time of inspection.
• Inspection # 313692246-(Interior Shop 2705)—-One Citation. Citation was negotiated to less than serious. Citation pertained to the use of alodine in sink without completed written certification of hazard assessment.
• Inspection # 313691693-(Duct Shop 2289)—-Three Citations. Citations were negotiated as: One serious was withdrawn, two serious were agreed to. Citations involved a blast booth that had numerous leaks and a welding area that had insufficient air monitoring history, and proper ventilation.
• Inspection # 313689457-(Exposure Reports/Blade & Vane)—-Nine Citations. Citations were negotiated as: Four withdrawn; three serious; two less than serious. Citations involved employee’s right of access to exposure reports, training of access, exposure to hazardous dusts, PPE assessments, and training.
• Inspection # 313687576-(Wheel & Brake Center) —-14 Citations. Citations were negotiated: (this case gets a little complicated.) About a third of the citations were withdrawn; a third serious, and a third less than serious. Citations involved an alodine tank spill, employee involvement, and Hazmat cleanup, operation of the tank, and appropriate PPE and training. There were negotiated abatement terms outlining certain requirements by the company on some of the citations.
The OSHA process of complaints, inspections, citations, negotiations, and finally court; if it makes it to that, can be a long tedious process. The OSHA area directors working along side the labor attorney have done a great job of representing our local in these five cases. They have worked closely with your TWU Safety Department and communicated and updated frequently the options and strategies used to negotiate the abatement of the findings.