OSHA Inspection: CLM LANDSCAPING

Issued

Aug 25, 1998

Abate by

Sep 14, 1998

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

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 excessive levels of heat stress while performing
landscaping activities.
a.6/24/98-Bayridge Apts.,Nashua,N.H.-Laborers were subjected to excessive
levels of heat stress while performing landscaping operations without
adequate
training and exposure controls.
Abatement Note: Heat exposures may result in the development of serious
heat
related illness such as heat stroke, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat
cramps,
heat syncopes, heat rash, and heat fatigue. Among other methods, one
feasible
and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard is to establish
provisions
for a work/rest regiment so that exposure time to high temperatures is
decreased
and/or the work rate is decreased. Further abatement methods in developing
an
effective Heat Stress Program include but are not limited to the following:
1.Annual training program informing employees of the health effects
associated with heat stress, symptoms of heat-induced illnesses, and
prevention of heat-induced illnesses.
2.A provision to provide cool drinking water with individual cups.
Alternatively, arrange with specific facilities to allow CLM Landscape
employees to utilize on site facilities.
3.An acclimation program for new employees, and returning employees
from absent periods of three or more days. The acclimation period should
be a period consisting of at least three week.
4.Establish a screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by
exposure to elevated levels of temperature.
5.Establish provisions for a cool rest area. Acceptable areas could be the
air-
conditioned cab of a vehicle, lobby area of an apartment complex, or
restaurant.