Workers file complaints about Modesto-area insulation plant: toxic chemicals, pigeon dung

Seven employees have filed complaints about safety at the Kingspan Insulated Panels factory, just south of Modesto.

They allege they were exposed to toxic chemicals from the manufacturing and to manure from pigeons that got inside the plant.

Kingspan, based in Ireland, did not respond as of Tuesday afternoon to an emailed request for comment from The Modesto Bee. The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health confirmed it is investigating but declined to discuss details.

The Morgan Road plant makes panels with plastic foam cores between metal sheets. They become part of energy-saving building envelopes for commercial and industrial customers.

One of the complaining workers, Celina Arellano, agreed to be named in an Oct. 4 news release from a union advising them.

“On one occasion, a chemical was spilled out, and the smell was very strong all over the department,” Arellano said. “I was actually having a headache because it was so strong. When a chemical is spilled out, they must evacuate us, because it’s very strong, and they didn’t do anything ... They kept running the line.”

The union is the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers. It does not have a contract for the Kingspan employees but is working toward that goal, senior communications specialist Michael Blain said by email.

Worker tells of cough, headaches and more

The release said chemicals used by Kingspan include isocyanate, which was found to be a breathing hazard by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The union said at least one employee has had a cough, headaches and throat and nasal irritation. This worker also claims that the company failed to provide safety training.

The employees also allege that Kingspan did not supply adequate masks, eye wash stations and other protections. They are concerned about toxic chemicals being released when panels are glued together, sawed, sanded and painted.

Workers told Cal-OSHA that pigeons have nested inside the plant and left droppings that could contain parasites that sicken them.

Kingspan has operated since 2008 in three buildings totaling 138,500 square feet. It employed about 100 people when The Bee visited for a 2021 story about its Planet Passionate program. Planet Passionate efforts include generating electricity from solar panels, a reduction in landfill-bound waste, and recycling plastic bottles into the foam cores.

Company was born beside an Irish pub

Kingspan Group was founded in 1965 by engineer Eugene Murtagh in the yard behind his family’s pub in Kingscourt, Ireland. It now employs about 22,000 people at 212 plants in 80 countries.

Kingspan reported about $8.8 billion in revenue last year, mainly for its insulation. The company also produces lighting, ventilation, roofing and flooring for buildings, along with water and energy storage systems.

Last year, the federal OSHA levied a $21,785 fine on Kingspan for 22 violations at a Santa Ana lighting and ventilation plant.