Local plant workers file complaint with OSHA

Workers to have union election next week

Workers at a local manufacturer filed a complaint Thursday with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, alleging unsafe working conditions.

The complaint was signed by 22 employees of Creative Foam’s local plant, according to a document shared by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union.

Workers at the 3337 N. Dixie Drive facility will vote in a July 28 National Labor Relations Board election on whether to organize under UAW representation.

The complaint alleges chemicals at the plant are not stored properly. Chemicals are stored in tanks that leak, with buckets set up around the tanks to “catch the leaks,” according to a “notice of alleged safety or health hazards” form filed with OSHA.

“Management has not trained us on how to use these chemicals safely and has not clearly communicated to us what the chemicals are or what the potential dangers may be,” the form says. “Recently, a group of us presented management with a letter asking them to tell us more about the chemicals in the plant. They sent us a letter back that said they care about safety, but they didn’t do anything to provide us with real training.”

The complaint also charges that workers at the plant clean chemical spills without proper protective equipment.

A message seeking comment was left with Ken Montgomery, director of the Cincinnati-area OSHA office. Another message was also left with Creative Foam’s Fenton, Mich. headquarters.

The company provides die-cut or formed foams for automotive and medical customers.

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