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Tukwila Battery Manufacturer Fined $224k for Lead Exposure

Washington L&I fined Dyno Battery Inc. $224,320 for 16 violations after follow-up inspections found the company failed to fix lead exposure hazards first identified in July. Inspectors documented lead dust buildup in air cleaning devices that were blowing toxic dust onto workers, and found lead contamination on lunchroom tables. L&I issued a stop-work order on October 8 when violations remained unfixed, only lifting it in February after all hazards were corrected. The company is appealing the fine.

Personnel Staffing Inc. Sex Discrimination Settlement

The EEOC announced a $155,000 settlement with Personnel Staffing Inc. resolving a sex discrimination charge. The staffing firm agreed to pay the settlement and implement corrective measures following an investigation into discriminatory employment practices. This settlement reinforces federal protections against sex-based discrimination in employment.

iPRO Dental Laboratory Pays $30,000 Pregnancy Discrimination Settlement

The EEOC resolved a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against iPRO Dental Laboratory for $30,000, requiring the company to provide compliance training and revise its leave policies. The settlement addresses alleged violations of federal employment discrimination law regarding pregnancy-related accommodations.

South Dakota Contractor Sued for Firing Injury-Reporting Whistleblower

The U.S. Department of Labor filed suit against Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. OSHA found the companies violated whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by firing an employee two days after the worker reported second- and third-degree burns from a pressurized pipe incident. The department seeks reinstatement, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages.

Construction Company Sued for Whistleblower Retaliation

The Department of Labor filed suit against Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota for allegedly violating whistleblower protection provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. OSHA determined the company wrongfully terminated an employee two days after reporting a severe work-related injury involving second- and third-degree burns. The suit seeks reinstatement, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages.

Tip Pool Violation - Back Wage Recovery for Tipped Employees

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recovered $85,197 in back wages for 36 employees after finding that Nate's At The Buda Mill & Grain Inc. (operating as Nate's Coffee & Cocktails) violated the Fair Labor Standards Act by allowing a general manager to participate in an employee tip pool. The violation invalidated the employer's tip credit, requiring payment of full minimum wage to affected workers.