Chicago’s ERA Valdivia Contractors Fined $130K for Health Violations

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited ERA Valdivia Contractors Inc., an industrial painting and sandblasting company in Chicago, with $130,300 in proposed penalties for exposing workers to dangerous lead materials.

Based on a November 2009 inspection, OSHA has cited the company with two willful violations and a proposed $112,000 penalty for failing to provide adequate personal protective equipment to employees working in and around lead while performing abrasive blasting and painting.

The employer also has been cited with eight serious citations and a proposed $18,300 penalty. Some of these citations address the company’s alleged failure to ensure workers use respirators in accordance with the conditions of certification; to prohibit the use of respirators by employees with facial hair; and to provide a clean changing area for employees.

ERA Valdivia Contractors Inc. has been inspected by OSHA 25 times since 1991 and has been issued numerous willful, serious and repeat violations, including many lead violations. The company employs approximately 75 workers.

Source: OSHA