Ultium Cells fined $270,091 for 19 safety violations following battery plant explosion An OSHA investigation of Ultium Cells LLC has identified 19 safety and health violations. The company has been cited for 17 serious and two other-than-serious violations. These violations include exposing employees to machine and chemical hazards and failing to properly train workers on safety and emergency response procedures. In addition, Ultium Cells did not follow required safety standards for the use of personal protective equipment. The four separate investigations began after an explosion and subsequent fire at an auto battery manufacturing plant in Ohio. The company faces $270,091 in penalties and will have to reduce accumulations of metal dust and protect employees from unsafe metal dust exposure.
In a recent quote, OSHA Area Director Howard Eberts said, “Ultium Cells’ technology and advanced manufacturing facilities are part of a new and emerging field but workplace safety standards — such as machine guarding, personal protective equipment and emergency response training — have been the law for decades. The company’s focus on the future must include an emphasis on workplace safety to ensure the well-being of its employees.”