Since last year--we've told you about a number of safety concerns among workers at the Ultium Cells plant in Lordstown.  On Friday, two former employees sat down with 21 News reporter Corey McCrae--expressing concerns about the workplace during their time there.

"Not ever knowing if you had the proper PPE to do your job without getting exposed to the chemicals...that was definitely the day-to-day thing.", said Josh Robbins who started working at the battery plant in September of last year.  He spent most of his time working in the electrolyte mixing department, where the juice that supplies the batteries are made.  That juice is comprised of extremely hazardous chemicals.  

Among the concerns Robbins referenced the lack of safety showers in their workplace.  He says when he raised these concerns one of his co-workers at the time Justin Piscura echoed those concerns.  They were two of six employees that were suspended for a month-and-a-half after allegedly reporting those concerns to company.

Robbins says he never returned to the battery plant, while Piscura returned for a brief time, before calling it quits.

"I came to the decision that this could dramatically change my life if I don't have the proper PPE.", said Piscura

Over the last year OSHA has cited Ultium Cells for health and safety violations resulting in fines---the most recent case was opened on June 29th

Previous OSHA inspection cases resulting in violations & fines

10/6/2021 - HEALTH VIOLATION
05/17/2022 - 2 SERIOUS HEALTH VIOLATIONS - $16,575
07/05/2022 2 SERIOUS HEALTH VIOLATIONS - $14,502
07/26/2022 3 SERIOUS SAFETY VIOLATIONS - $37,293
08/18/2022 2 SERIOUS HEALTH VIOLATIONS - $24,862

OSHA Cases that are still open

03/20/2023 hEALTH
04/24/2023 HEALTH
04/24/2023 SAFETY
05/02/2023 HEALTH
05/02/2023 HEALTH
05/02/2023 SAFETY
06/29/2023 SAFETY

21 News reached out to Ultium Cells for a response and was met with this response:

"The cell production facility we've built in Warren, Ohio is one of the most advanced in the world, the more than 1,300 people who work here are committed to safety and quality and they're doing a great job. We are building a culture of working collaboratively and respectfully with our team members, regulators, and other stakeholders to build on our success and resolve issues that come up. That's the case here.

Ultium Cells and the UAW have reached an agreement for the six team members to return to work. We cannot comment on the specific terms of this agreement."