OSHA Inspection: VISTA METALS INCORPORATED

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 20, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,300 · Current $630 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 the hazards of repetitive lifting and other strenous
operations.  This exposure caused aggravated or precipitated employee
injuries to the trunk and upper extremities.  The exposure occurred
at the following operation:
a)  Drying Area:  Employees transferring cans of cobalt/nickle
metal powder from scale to OK'd Material Area.  Employees
lift 90 lb cans repetively from 10 inches to 24 inches in
height.  The evaluation of this manual lifting task indicates
that employees are exposed to a hazard which is causing or
likely to cause musculoskeletal injuries.  The employer did
not implement an effective control strategy to reduce or
eliminate such injuries.  The injury and illness records
for 1990, 1991, documented a pattern of musculoskeletal
injuries.  (1/08/92)
b)  Crushing Area:  Employee lifts cans of rework material
(weights varied from about 60-80 lbs) from pallets to crusher
machine.  Employee lifts from 8 inches to 25 inches to
opening of crusher.  The evaluation of this manual lifting
task indicates that employees are exposed to a hazard which
is causing or likely to cause musculoskeletal injuries.
The employer did not implement an effective control strategy
to reduce or eliminate such injuries.  The injury and
illness records for 1990, 1991, documented a pattern of
musculoskeletal injuries.  (1/08/92)
c)  OK'd Material Area:  Employees responsible to stack 90 lb
cans of cobalt/nickle metal powder on to pellets for
shipping.  Employees lift 90 lbs cans from 6 inches to 25
inches.  The evaluation of this manual lifting task indicates
that employees are exposed to a hazard which is causing or
likely to cause musculoskeletal injuries.  The injury and
illness records for 1990, 1991, documented a pattern of
musculoskeletal injuries.  (11/08/91)
Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method
to correct this hazard is the implementation of an ergonomics
management program consisting of the following four elements:
1.  Worksite analysis to recognize and identify existing
manual lifting hazards in the workplace.  this analy-
sis should include development and use of an ergonomic
checklist and employee questionnaire.  Periodic
surveys of the worksite shall be conducted at least
annually to evaluate work practices and engineering
controls.  Employee participation in the ergonomic
program should be encouraged through a mechanism
such as a safety committee.
2.  Medical management which includes accurate record-
keeping of manual lifting injuries.  The program
should address recognition, evaluation, treatment,
and referral of lifting cases.  Systematic worksite
review by the medical team should also be included
in the program.
3.  Training and education for exposed employees,
including methods to evaluate the effectiveness of
the training.  Re-training should be done annually,
or as operations change.  Training should address
hazards associated with the job, the risks of manual
material handling, and how to prevent lifting
injuries.  A supervisors' training program should
also be implemented to allow recognition of manual
lifting hazards, and to reinforce the employer's
ergonomic program.
4.  Hazard prevention and control which includes
engineering, work practices and administrative
controls.
a)  Administrative controls are implemented which
reduce the duration, frequency, and severity of
exposure to manual lifting hazards.  These controls
may include job rotation, reduction of repetitions,
multiple person lifts, and preventative maintenance
of related equipment.
b)  Work practice controls are implemented which
include proper work techniques, new employee
conditioning, proper placement of loads, and
reduction of weight lifted.
Examples of work practice controls applicable
to this workplace include:
I  Management Commitment
Implement an ergonomics program.  Ensure that the program
includes a clear statement of managements commitment to
effectively deal with the problem of employee injuries
related to material handling and other strenuous activities.
Ensure that the program is written; addresses the area of
employee involvement; and provides a mandatory mechanism
for regular program review and evaluation.
II  Reduce the weight per can to 25 lbs from 90 lbs or alternatively
Utilize mechanical hoist
III Initial comprehensive training program concerning material
handling including advantages and disadvantages of lifting
devices, practice and discussion of lifting techniques.
IV   Refresher training be provided that includes practice and
discussion of proper material handling.

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 20, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,300 · Current $630 Reduced

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 20, 1992

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 20, 1992

Penalty

Initial $1,300 · Current $300 Reduced

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 20, 1992

Issued

Feb 18, 1992

Abate by

Mar 3, 1992