OSHA Inspection: WALTRIP RECYCLING INC.

Issued

Jun 11, 2003

Abate by

Jul 14, 2003

Penalty

Initial $875 · Current $525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

40.1-51.1(a) of the Code of Virginia:  The employer, Waltrip Recycling,
Inc., did not furnish a place of employment
which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to
cause death or serious physical harm to
employees in that the Operations Manager was greasing the augers on a
Rexius Express Blower, Model EB60, which
exposed him to fractures of the leg and ribs and internal injuries by not
following lockout/tagout procedures.
Site location of Wintergreen Resort, Nellysford, VA.  On May 13, 2003 at
appx. 1230 hours, the Operations Manager
was standing in the cargo area of the truck box while cleaning the augers.
The augers are located on the inside of the
rear door which was propped open.  The augers were turned on (by remote
control under the control of the Operations
Manager) to be rotated to continue the greasing process.  The Operations
Manager became caught up in the augers in
which he received substantial injuries requiring hospitalization.
One feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct this hazard would
be to follow the lockout/tagout procedures
as outlined in the Rexius Express Blower Operation and Safety Manual, and,
the
written Lockout/Tagout Policy and
Procedures implemented by Waltrip Recycling, Inc.  Both state "No attempt
should be made to lubricate, repair, clean,
or service any part of the Express Blower while it is operating.  Lock Out
procedures must be initiated before any
maintenance service is performed."