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Kessler Thermometer Corporation, along with its owner Robert Peyser, has pleaded guilty to felony reckless endangerment for exposing employees to hazardous levels of mercury, resulting in serious physical injuries. The company failed to provide proper safety measures, such as ventilation and protective equipment, despite prior knowledge of an employee's mercury poisoning.
On August 29, 2022, several employees experienced significant mercury exposure due to spills while manufacturing glass thermometers. This exposure led to serious health issues, including the need for permanent medical devices for some employees, coma, and other symptoms of mercury poisoning. Investigators from OSHA and the EPA found that Kessler Thermometer had ignored past warnings and complaints regarding safety protocols.
The corporation and Peyser face penalties, including a $75,000 fine for the felony and a separate civil assessment of about $97,000 for OSHA violations. Peyser received a misdemeanor charge and was sentenced to probation, with specific conditions to ensure compliance with safety regulations. Failure to adhere to these conditions could result in a jail sentence. The case emphasizes the legal responsibility employers have to maintain workplace safety.
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