OSHA Inspection: P&S CONSTRUCTION

Issued

Feb 3, 1998

Abate by

Mar 8, 1998

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100

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 heavy
work:
(a) at the worksite at the Kinsel Ranch, Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas,
laborers were subjected
to excessive levels of heat stress while performing heavy work during a
survey performed on
September 3, 1997, as correlated with the guidelines established by the
American Conference
of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and the National Institute
for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Such exposure may lead to the development of a
serious heat
induced illness, such as heat stroke, as well as hyperthermia, 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 establish 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 which would include:
1.  An annual training program informing employees about the effects of
heat stress,
symptoms of heat-induced illnesses, and prevention of heat-induced
illnesses.
2.  Temperature measurement instruments to monitor the work environment.
3.  An acclimation program for new employees, and returning employees from
absent
periods of three or more days.
4.  A screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by
elevated
temperatures.
5.  A provision to provide cool drinking water, with individual cups.
6.  A provision to provide cooler rest areas.  An optimum temperature is
about 74
degrees F.grees

Issued

Feb 3, 1998

Abate by

Feb 11, 1998

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $2,100