OSHA Inspection: PIONEER HI-BRED INTERNATIONAL, INC.

Issued

Sep 3, 1999

Abate by

Sep 10, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,400 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 hazard of being crushed by overhead
equipment:
(a)Treating Room - On or about 20 August 1999, and at times prior thereto,
employees worked adjacent to, and moved the Mica Metering Bin which
weighed in excess of 700 lbs.  The Mica Metering Bin was mounted on top of
an equipment stand that had four swivel wheels.  This stand was
approximately
24" x 20" with the wheels placed approximately 21" apart on each corner.
The stand with wheels was approximately 75" high.  The stand was very top
heavy; thereby, exposing employees to the hazard of being struck by, and/or
crushed by the Mica Metering Bin in the event that the stand and Mica
Metering Bin tipped over.
"AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE
ABATEMENT METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS TO SUPPORT THE
MICA METERING BIN FROM A PERMANENT STAND, OVERHEAD SLINGS,
OR AN OVERHEAD STRUCTURE THAT WOULD FACILITATE A TROLLEY
RUNNING ON AN OVERHEAD RAIL TO ALLOW MOVING THE BIN AWAY
FROM THE CMS's AND INCLINE AUGER."
OR IN THE ALTERNATIVE
29 CFR 1910.147(d)(5)(i):  All potentially hazardous stored or residual
energy was not
relieved, disconnected, restrained or otherwise rendered safe after the
application of lockout
or tagout devices to energy isolating devices:
(a)Treating Room - On or about 20 August 1999, and at times prior thereto,
employees would unbolt the Mica Metering Bin and stand and move it away
from the CMS's and incline auger, without taking adequate precautions to
rendered safe the stored energy of gravity.
Note: Abatement certification and supporting documentation are required
for this item.

Issued

Sep 3, 1999

Abate by

Nov 1, 1999

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,400 Reduced

Issued

Sep 3, 1999

Abate by

Sep 9, 1999

Penalty

Initial $1,875 · Current $700 Reduced