ConDig (4-Dec-17).  A Plainville, Connecticut-based contractor faces a fine of $329,548 after an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that workers were being exposed to mercury and respirator hazards.

The agency’s probe into Manafort Brothers Inc, which was sparked by a complaint by workers, found that employees were being exposed to high levels of mercury during the demolition of a mercury boiler at a Portsmouth worksite.

The company also did not evaluate the respirator program’s effectiveness in protecting workers against exposures and did not consult with the employees to identify and correct any respirator problems, according to OSHA.

OSHA cited the company for two willful and six serious violations concerning mercury, respirators, protective clothing, and sanitary conditions.

“These hazards were certainly preventable,” said OSHA’s New Hampshire area director Rosemarie O. Cole.

“High mercury exposure can result in permanent nervous system and kidney damage. It is critically important that employers remain vigilant and ensure that effective safeguards are in place to prevent and minimize workers’ exposures.”

The company has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings.

Last month, OSHA slapped Alta Construction Inc. with a fine of $106,000 for two serious violations after failing to follow safe trenching practices on a construction project in Boise, Idaho.