The $375,000 fine isn’t large, but the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration doesn’t mince words in describing violations at the UCB manufacturing plant in Rochester, NY. The drugmaker was hit for “alleged willful and serious violations of workplace health and safety standards.” To OSHA, a willlful violation is committed with plain indifference to or intentional disregard for worker safety and health.

OSHA’s inspection found some plant employees were exposed to excess levels of methylene chloride, a potential cardinogen, and UCB did not have effective controls to reduce exposure. Moreover, UCB failed to supply workers with appropriate respirators, provide required monitoring, medical surveillance and info about methylene chloride. The result? Six willful citations and $351,000 in proposed fines.

“These sizable fines reflect the gravity of these hazards and the employer’s knowledge of and failure to correct them,” Arthur Dube, OSHA’s area director for western New York, says in a statement. “Employees exposed to methylene chloride are at increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation. Effective safeguards are vital to the health and well-being of the workers.”

The OSHA statement adds that UCB failed to determine each employee’s exposure to methylene chloride, develop and inspect hazardous energy control procedures for all equipment, and inform employees of the existence, location and availability of exposure and monitoring records. That was worth three more serious citations with $6,300 in fines. OSHA issues serious citations when death or serious physical harm is likely to result from hazards an employer knew or should have known.

We messaged UCB over the weekend and are awaiting word. We will update you accordingly. UPDATE: At 9:45 am on Mon., June 21, a UCB spokeswoman sends us this message: “We manufacture a number of pharmaceutical products at the site, which employs approximately 258 people.

“At UCB, providing a safe and healthy work environment for our employees is an integral part of the way we operate our business. Our facility was randomly chosen for an inspection by OSHA as part of their regular inspection process. We have been actively engaged in that inspection working closely with the OSHA inspector.

UCB has implemented extensive safety programs intended to meet and exceed all OSHA requirements. We believe that our operations comply with all OSHA requirements and we are proud of our health and safety record. We are reviewing OSHA’s findings to determine our next steps. We remain committed to complying with all regulations and ensuring that we continue to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.”