SK Battery America Inc. is facing fines exceeding $75,000 as federal investigators unveil safety violations at its North Georgia factory.
The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA disclosed that SK Battery exposed workers to unsafe levels of cobalt, nickel, and manganese at its Commerce plant. Violations included breaching noise limits, neglecting eyewash and emergency shower requirements, and disregarding respiratory hazard standards.
SK Battery, housing over 3,000 employees in its $2.6-billion factory, disputed the investigation's outcomes, underscoring their commitment to safety. OSHA's Joshua Turner emphasized the criticality of safety in the lithium-ion battery industry, citing potential health issues from production materials.
SK Battery's Commerce facility, a pivotal player in Georgia's EV industry, witnessed layoffs due to reduced EV demand. The investigation outlined serious violations, highlighting the imperative need for stringent safety protocols in the expanding EV sector.
