Oliver Wells
Kessler Thermometer factory owner Robert Peyser was sentenced last week (12/13) to three years probation for first degree reckless endangerment of the lives of factory workers after a 2022 mercury spill at his plant in West Babylon, NY. Peyser was found liable for the spill and not providing proper protective equipment or ventilation for his workers, twenty of which were hospitalized for mercury poisoning. In addition to the probation, Peyser is required to pay $75,000 in fines on top of a $97,000 fine for OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) violations. OSHA found 21 violations at the plant.
Despite this, Kessler’s website claims that it “meets all ISO [International Organization for Standardization] requirements” and that it is “proud to be one of the last Thermometer/Hydrometer manufacturers in the United States.”
A news release from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office accuses Peyser of “knowingly exposing several of their employees to hazardous levels of mercury and for not providing proper ventilation or protective equipment to them, despite having knowledge of at least one employee’s prior mercury poisoning diagnosis.”
In August 2022, damaged equipment at the factory led to a mercury spill into the work area and onto workers. According to the district attorney, workers were left without proper equipment to clean the spill and protect themselves, all within a poorly-ventilated area. Mercury, a neurotoxin, can vaporize and be inhaled if not properly cleaned. At least four workers were diagnosed with mercury poisoning, which can severely damage the nervous system, lungs, kidneys, heart, and mental abilities.
Peyser had prior knowledge that at least one of his employees had previously been exposed to toxic levels of mercury at his factory and was instructed by a physician in 2020 to implement proper protections for his employees. Peyser admitted in court that he did not implement these measures.
One worker impacted by the spill spoke out in court: “Bob Peyser, you prioritized profit over people—including immigrants—who dedicated decades of our lives to growing your company at great personal cost.” The employees of the factory are mainly immigrants from Poland and Guyana.
While Peyser gets away with three years probation, factory workers have to live with long-term health effects. Many workers are worried about a cancer diagnosis. “Because of your recklessness, me, my sister and others are left with devastating health consequences that may last a lifetime,” a worker said in court.
Photo: Robert Peyser, owner of Kessler Thermometer Corporation. Credit: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
