OSHA Dings Trash-Burning Plant for Toxic Workplace Hazards

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration imposed penalties of $26,107 against a bankrupt waste facility in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, for exposing workers to hazardous, chemical-laden smoke. Community Eco Power LLC burned trash to generate power, but OSHA says the resulting smoke contained arsenic, cadmium and lead and posed a serious danger to employees and the surrounding area, according to the Berkshire Eagle newspaper. A pair of former plant workers told the paper that managers at the facility failed to maintain equipment and protect employees from hazardous relea...