The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
OSHA cites SK Battery again for safety violations
North Georgia plant faces its second fine in less than a year.
A few months after find- ing a half-dozen alleged code violations at a North Georgia battery factory, federal safety investigators said this week theyfound five more alleged violations after a recent fire.
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Monday it found that SK Battery America Inc. failed to train its employees on how to protect themselves from toxic fumes produced by electric vehicle battery fires, which led to multiple injuries after an October incident. Investiga-
rs said those injured employ- ees “suffered potentially permanent respiratory damage” because of those training lapses at the Commerce plant, accord- ing to a news release.
OSHA said Monday it lev- ied $77,200 in proposed fines against the South Kore- an-owned company, which comes on the heels of OSHA fining SK Battery more than $75,000 earlier this year for other violations. Those ear- lier citations alleged that SK exposed employees to unsafe levels of cobalt, nickel and manganese. OSHA also cited SK at the time for noise, eye- wash station and emergency shower violations.
SK Battery, which employs about 3,100 workers at its $2.6 billion factory, contested both investigations’ findings. In a statement, SK said, “The safety and well-being of our employees is the top priority.
“SK Battery America is working diligently to assess the issues raised and resolve
questions with the ulti- ma e goal of employee safety,” the statement continued.
Joshua Turner, the OSHA area office director in Atlan- ta-East, said it’s important for lithium-ion battery companies to follow strict safety requirements, especial y given the growth of the EV industry.
“While emerging indus- tries bring innovation and employment opportunities to our communities, they must also ensure that the safety of the people they employ is their priority,” Turner said in a statement.
SK Battery’s Commerce factory was one of Georgia’s first forays into the EV industry, which has since attracted multibillion dollar manufac- turing plants and dozens of vehicle parts suppliers. The Georgia Department of Eco- nomic Development says the Peach State has attracted more than $27.3 billion in EV sup- ply chain investments and commitments for more than 32,000 jobs since 2018.
Located about 70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, the Commerce fac- tory consists of two lithium- on battery manufacturing facilities. The company confirmed layoffs at the plant in late September and furloughs two months later as part of efforts to cut production to match the sagging demand for EVs.
OSHA’s first investigation was in December, wh ch found the first half-dozen violations.
In January, a fol ow-up investigation prompted the second wave of citations and fines related to alleged training issues. An undisclosed number of workers were exposed to hydrofluoric acid vapors produced in an October lithium-ion battery fire. OSHA said the workers’ staffing agency, Moveret Inc., did not make their employees aware of the hazards associated with lithium-ion battery fires.
When one battery cell combusts, it can spark a chain reaction, which burns at high temperatures and is difficult to extinguish. It also produces hydrofluoric acid vapors, a colorless gas that can damage
e eyes, nose and respiratory tract, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Breathing in high levels of the gas can be fatal. The investigation’s findings l go before the independent OSHA review commission for further evaluation.
OSHA said Monday it found that SK Battery America Inc. failed to train its employees on how to protect themselves from toxic fumes produced by electric vehicle battery fires, which led to multiple injuries after an October incident.