OSHA Inspection: HELENA COTTON OIL CO., INC.

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Feb 11, 1994

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,800 Reduced

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:
At the establishment, employee(s) performing work operations
in areas of the "cotton oil mill" such as but not limited to
the #1 seed cleaner area were subjected to a potential heat
stress environment during work activities.  Exposure to
excessive heat stress may result in heat-related illnesses,
such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat
syncope, heat rash and transient heat fatigue.  On July 27,
1993, at approximately 12:00 p.m. midnight, a fatality
resulting from a heat-induced illness occurred during the
evening shift at the facility in the cotton oil mill.  The
ambient temperature on July 26, 1993, was approximately 99
degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index of 105 degrees to 111
degrees during the afternoon hours.  Environmental factors
contributing to heat stress include temperature, humidity,
radiant heat and air velocity.  There was an overall lack of
ventilation, general and local.  The employer had not
implemented a heat stress program nor voluntarily taken
measures to reduce the employees' exposure to the hazards
posed by working in hot environments.
Among other methods of control, one feasible and acceptable
method to correct this hazard is to establish provisions for
a work/rest regimen to reduce employee(s) exposure time to
high temperatures.  Further abatement methods to eliminate or
reduce employees exposure to hazards posed by exposure to
excessive heat include methods such as but not limited to the
following:
Initiate a heat stress program for employees which
includes the following:
A.   A Continuing educational program to inform workers
of:
1.   Heat stress hazards
2.   Predisposing factors and relevant signs
and symptoms of heat injury and illness.
3.   Potential health effects of excessive heat
stress and first aid procedures.
4.   Proper precautions for work in heat stress
areas.
5.   Worker responsibilities for following
proper work practices and control
procedures to heal protect the health and
provide for the safety of themselves and
their fellow workers, including
instructions to immediately report to the
employer the development of signs or
symptoms of heat stress overexposure.
6.   The effect of therapeutic drugs,
overthe
counter medications, social drugs
(including alcohol) that may increase the
risk of heat injury or illness by reducing
heat tolerance.
7.   The purpose for and descriptions of the
environment and medical surveillance
programs and of the advantages to the
worker participating in these surveillance
programs, and
8.   If necessary, proper use of protective
clothing and equipment.
B.   Develop a medical approval system to evaluate
workers prior to their assignment in hot areas.
This should include the following:
1.   A comprehensive work and medical history
with special emphasis on any medical
2.   A comprehensive physical examination that
give special attention to the
cardiovascular system, skin, liver, kidney
and the nervous and respiratory systems.
3.   An assessment of the use of therapeutic
drugs, over-the counter medications or
social drugs (including alcohol) that may
increase the risk of heat injury or
illness.
4.   An assessment of the obesity (body
fatness) that is defined as exceeding 25
percent of normal weight for males and 30
percent of normal weight for females, as
based on age and body build.
5.   An assessment of the workers' ability to
wear and use any protective clothing and
equipment, especially respirators, that
is or may be required to be worn or used.
C.   Obtain a written opinion from the responsible
physician which should include:
1.   The results of the medical examination and
the tests performed.
2.   The physician's opinion as to whether the
worker has any detected medical conditions
which would increase the risk of material
impairment of health from exposure to
anticipated heat stress in the work
environment.
3.   An estimate of the individual's tolerance
to withstand hot working conditions.
4.   An opinion as to whether the worker can
perform the work required by the job.
5.   Any recommended limitations upon the
worker's exposure to heat stress or upon
the use of protective clothing or
equipment and
6.   A statement that the worker has been
informed by the physician of the results
of the medical examination and any medical
conditions which require further
explanation or treatment.
D.   Provide a copy of the physician's written
opinion to the affected worker.
E.   Medical approval should be re-established
periodically, for instance annually.
F.   The company should have on hand trained
personnel and sufficient emergency medical
equipment to treat any worker who develops
signs and symptoms of heat illness.
G.   The employer should assure that all employees
have adequate amounts of cool potable water
near the work area and encourage all workers
to drink water (5 to 7 oz.) every 15 to 20
minutes.
H.   A heat alert program should be developed and
implemented to notify employees whenever a heat
wave is likely to occur the following day or
days.  (When the daily maximum temperature
exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, or 90 degrees
Fahrenheit and 9 degrees Fahrenheit greater
than the previous day.)
I.   Initiate a heat acclimatization program to
increase heat tolerance by new workers and
workers returning to a job after more than one
week away.
J.   Inasmuch as possible, redesign jobs to reduce
the metabolic load.
K.   Inasmuch as possible, increase the ratio of
rest to work as the WEGT index increases.
L.   Provide cool areas for employees to rest and
cool down.
M.   Implement Engineering Controls including
general ventilation and spot cooling by local
exhaust ventilation at paints of high heat
production.
N.   Implement Administrative Controls upon
verification of their effectiveness in
achieving compliance.

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 17, 1994

Penalty

Initial $1,200 · Current $720 Reduced

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Dec 17, 1993

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $1,800 Reduced

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 17, 1994

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 17, 1994

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 17, 1994

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Jan 11, 1994

Issued

Dec 14, 1993

Abate by

Dec 27, 1993