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United States states SK Battery deals with $77,200 in fines over worker health risks

The U.S. Labor Department said on Monday that SK Battery America faces $77,200. in fines for five severe security violations after workers in. Georgia suffered possibly permanent respiratory damage in an. October 2023 lithium battery fire.

This is the 2nd infraction notice released by the department. in recent months.

In January, the department's Occupational Safety and Health. Administration (OSHA) stated SK Battery exposed workers at a. U.S. battery plant to unsafe levels of nickel and other metals,. and faces $75,000 in fines over six severe offenses. SK,. which materials Volkswagen and Ford Motor,. utilizes 3,100 workers at its Commerce, Georgia plant.

On several occasions in less than a year, we have found SK. Battery America failing in their obligation to meet required. federal requirements created to help every worker end their shift. securely, said OSHA Area Office Director Joshua Turner in a. declaration on Monday. When employers fail to supply safe and. healthy workplaces, OSHA will hold them liable.

SK Battery America in a statement said on Monday that it is. working diligently to evaluate the concerns raised and deal with any. questions with the ultimate objective of staff member safety. The. company stated that it has comprehensive security protocols and. training programs.

The company is a subsidiary of SK On, a global EV battery. producer and an unit of SK Development that is. part of SK Group, the second-largest corporation in South. Korea.

SK Battery America did not instantly comment on Monday. The company has challenged the findings from the citation released. in January before the independent Occupational Security and Health. Evaluation Commission, the department stated.

OSHA said following the October 2023 fire, that SK Battery. failed to train its staff members on how to secure themselves. properly in the hazardous environment that left several workers. hurt.

OSHA said SK exposed employees to inhalation hazards,. including hydrofluoric acid vapors produced in lithium battery. fires, by stopping working to develop a complete emergency situation response. plan.

It likewise said SK Battery did not ensure its staffing firm. Moveret Inc that provided employees at the site made their. employees aware of the hazards related to lithium battery. fires. Moveret might not immediately be reached for remark.

OSHA stated in January that SK Battery had actually exposed employees. working with nickel, manganese and cobalt to breathing. dangers by failing to complete a work environment threat assessment;. ensure employees were given tidy, disinfected and sanitary. respirators; and shop respirators appropriately..