From
Occupational Health & Safety:
OSHA's office in Kansas City, Mo., announced Tuesday a special regional emphasis program aimed at reducing
occupational exposure to lead, which the agency said is one of the leading causes of on-the-job illnesses for workplaces under its jurisdiction in the Midwestern states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska.
The potential for
lead exposure depends on the industry, but generally speaking, lead is an ingredient in thousands of products widely used, including lead-based paints, lead solder, electrical fittings and conduits, tank linings, and plumbing fixtures.
Some common operations that can generate lead dust and fumes include demolition operations; flame-torch cutting; welding; use of heat guns, sanders, scrapers, or grinders to remove lead paint; and abrasive blasting of steel structures.
"Occupational exposure to lead continues to be one of the most prevalent overexposures found throughout industry," said Charles E. Adkins, OSHA's regional administrator in Kansas City. "It is imperative we do all we can to reduce that exposure to workers. This special regional emphasis program will serve to amplify OSHA's commitment to ensuring the safety and health of workers in all occupations."
This program will set targeted inspections in industries or workplaces where there is a potential for lead exposure, and also will cover complaints and referrals regarding lead exposure.