OSHA Inspection: DENNY'S RESTAURANT

Issued

Dec 8, 1999

Abate by

Jan 10, 2000

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 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 heat stress:
a.Denny's Restaurant:  Employees were exposed to heat stress conditions
while
working in the kitchen area.  Employees were exposed on or about Tuesday,
July
6, 1999.  On July 6, 1999 an employee died from heat stroke.  Employees in
the
kitchen prepare food, wash dishes and perform housekeeping duties.
Effects of exposure to high temperature include:  confusion, nausea,
cramps,
irrational behavior, vertigo, fainting, convulsions and death.
Note:The National Weather Service recorded temperature levels ranging from
82.9 F
to 95 F between 6:51 am and 1:51 pm, and relative humidity levels ranging
from
82to 51over the same time period.
Among other methods, some feasible and acceptable abatement methods to
correct this hazard
are:
1.Develop and implement a plan to address heat stress which may include:
monitoring predicted weather conditions, fluid replenishment, provide and
require
periodic breaks in an air conditioned area, train workers and supervisors
in the
recognition, prevention and treatment of heat illness and employee
temperature
monitoring.
2.Install air conditioning in the kitchen or use spot cooling in employee
work areas.
3.Install shielding on radiant heat sources.
ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
FOR THIS ITEM.

Issued

Dec 8, 1999

Abate by

Dec 13, 1999

Penalty

Initial $2,500 · Current $1,500 Reduced