Aug. 10--An Elk Grove Village-based company is facing fines of nearly $45,000 for exposing workers to various respiratory and electrical hazards, according to the Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
During an inspection in March, OSHA found that Bigston failed to test its full-face respirators and to train workers on how to wear them. The inspector observed workers with facial hair wearing respirators and workers wearing respirators over their hooded uniforms. Both scenarios prevented the respirators from sealing and exposed workers to harmful dust.
The company also failed to ensure electrical equipment was safe and exposed workers to concentrations of chemicals higher than allowed limits.
Bigston, which repairs and assembles consumer electronics products, received 13 safety and health violations, including 11 OSHA described as "serious" because the hazard could cause an accident or illness that would most likely result in death or serious physical harm.
The company couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citation to pay the fine, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director or contest the citation.
