Air quality and worker health and safety: N.J. manufacturer faces OSHA fine for exposing workers to chemical

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Miskeen Originals LLC for workplace safety and health violations, including employee exposure to methylene chloride.

Proposed penalties total $43,150. Miskeen Originals LLC is a clothing manufacturer with 12 employees at the Camden, N.J., location.

OSHA initiated an inspection after receiving an employee complaint alleging workplace safety and health hazards. As a result of the inspection, Miskeen was cited for one willful violation with a penalty of $28,000, 12 serious violations with a $15,150 penalty, and seven other-than-serious violations, which carry no penalty.

"Employees exposed to methylene chloride are at increased risk of developing cancer; adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver; and skin or eye irritation," said Paula Dixon-Roderick, director of OSHA's area office in Marlton, N.J.

"These hazards need to be corrected immediately to protect the safety and health of workers at the plant."

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STUDY: A healthy building leads to a more productive workforce

A new study which appears in the September 2010 issue of the American Journal of Public Health finds that an investment in a “greener” facility pays dividends for employers.

Researchers from Michigan State University evaluated the physical and mental health status of people who moved from traditional spaces to “greener” office buildings. The employees were asked about absenteeism from work in both types of buildings, specifically for health ailments including asthma and allergies. The researchers found that absenteeism associated with these conditions decreased in the new facilities by more than 50%, dropping from 1.12 days per month to .49 days.

Improved facility air has been sited widely for its direct and immediate impact on allergen levels and airborne chemicals, both recognized triggers for those who suffer from allergies and asthma. For more information on industrial air cleaners or industrial odor and chemical controllers for green buildings contact an Electrocorp air quality expert today. Are you a government buyer? Contact our dedicated service team.