Washington Battery Maker Fined Over $200K for Lead Exposure

State regulators say Dyno Battery failed to fix safety violations that put workers at risk of lead poisoning.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 6:44pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished metal tools and equipment used in battery manufacturing, arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background and lit with dramatic studio lighting to conceptually represent the corporate issues of worker safety and regulatory compliance.A studio still life of the tools and equipment used in battery manufacturing serves as a somber reminder of the need for strict workplace safety protocols.Seattle Today

The Washington Department of Labor and Industries has fined a Seattle-based vehicle battery manufacturer over $200,000 for exposing workers to lead levels more than four times the safety limit. Inspectors found lead dust buildup in the facility and ordered the company to stop production until the hazards were addressed, which the company allegedly ignored for months.

Why it matters

Worker safety and exposure to toxic substances like lead are major concerns, especially in industrial manufacturing. This case highlights the importance of companies proactively addressing safety issues to protect employee health and avoid hefty fines and legal battles.

The details

Last July, state regulators inspected Dyno Battery and found more than a dozen safety violations, many involving lead hazards. Inspectors photographed an inch of lead dust buildup in air cleaning devices and on lunchroom tables. By October, Labor and Industries ordered the company to stop all work in the battery assembly area because the safety issues had not been corrected. In March, the agency fined Dyno Battery for 16 violations, nine of which were for failing to fix issues found during the initial inspection.

  • In July 2025, state regulators inspected Dyno Battery and found lead safety violations.
  • In October 2025, Labor and Industries ordered Dyno Battery to stop production until the hazards were fixed.
  • In March 2026, Labor and Industries fined Dyno Battery over $200,000 for the violations.

The players

Dyno Battery

A family-owned vehicle battery manufacturer in Seattle that has been in operation since 1933.

Washington Department of Labor and Industries

The state agency responsible for enforcing workplace safety regulations and investigating violations.

Craig Blackwood

Assistant director of the Division of Occupational Safety and Health at the Washington Department of Labor and Industries.

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What they’re saying

“It's rare, but if it's necessary to protect worker health and safety from an immediate risk, we can and do close down operations at a business until the hazards are fixed.”

— Craig Blackwood, Assistant Director, Division of Occupational Safety and Health

What’s next

Dyno Battery has appealed the citation, stating it was issued 'without basis in law or fact.' The Department of Labor and Industries has 75 business days to decide on the appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of companies proactively addressing workplace safety issues, especially when it comes to exposure to toxic substances like lead. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, legal battles, and the potential for serious health consequences for workers.