OSHA Inspection: DESIGNER ACCENTS, INC.

Issued

Oct 24, 1989

Abate by

Nov 7, 1989

Penalty

Initial $480 · Current $240 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8320

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: The
employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were
free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death
or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to:
a) Employees working as order-pullers and stockers in the warehouse
weresubjected to excessive levels of heat stress while performing
tasks of a moderate work load during surveys performed on September
1 and September 6, 1989, as correlated with the guidelines
established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH). Such exposures may lead to the development of a
serious heat-induced illness, such as heat stroke as well as heat
exhaustion, heat cramps, heat syncope, heat rash and transient heat
fatigue.
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to
correct this hazard is to esatblish provisions for a work-rest regimen
so that exposure time to high temperatures is decreased and/or the work
rate is decreased. Further abatement might include a heat stress program
including:
1) An annual training program for employees and supervisors, updated
each spring, to provide information about the effects of heat stress,
symptoms of heat-induced illnesss, prevention of heat-induced illness
and the appropraite response to such symptoms.
2) A thermometer to measure the temperature inside the warehouse.
3) An acclimatization program for new employees and employees returning
from absences of three or more days.
4) A program to ensure the repair and regular operation of roof-mounted
exhaust fans.
5) Schedule adjustments, allowing employees to work during cooler
periods of the day.
6) A medical program to screen for those employees at special risk for
heat-induced illness.