On October 13, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cited 19 health and safety violations at the Ultium Cells LLC plant, a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution.
This battery plant, located in Warren, Ohio, initiated its operations in 2021, focusing on the manufacturing of battery cells for electric vehicles.
The violations were uncovered during inspections that took place between April and May 2022. Among the most significant were failures to adhere to federal standards concerning the use of personal protective equipment, including respirators. The plant was also found to be missing necessary machine guards, critical for workforce safety. There was a concerning absence of training for the workers on hazardous energy control procedures.
Another area of concern was the lack of emergency equipment. The facility was without eye wash stations and emergency showers, which are crucial in manufacturing settings. Hand protection, another vital safety measure, was absent as well.
In light of these health and safety standard violations, OSHA has proposed a fine of $270,091. This action follows a notable incident earlier in the year. In March 2022, an explosion and subsequent fire at the plant led OSHA to conduct a detailed investigation, revealing the aforementioned violations.
Ultium Cells LLC has since requested a hearing regarding these violations. Attempts to obtain comments from both General Motors and Ultium Cells about the violations have so far been unanswered. The company has a window of 15 business days to address these identified issues. If they fail to do so, they can either request an informal conference or challenge the findings before an independent board.
While the Ultium Cells facility is at the forefront of battery cell manufacturing technology, this incident underscores the undeniable importance of maintaining rigorous safety protocols.