OSHA Inspection: VILLAGE FARMS, MARFA DIVISION

Issued

Mar 30, 2011

Abate by

May 16, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $2,975 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5 (a) (1): The employer failed to keep the workplace free from a
hazard, likely to
cause death or serious physical harm to employees who were exposed.
On or about December 28, 2010, and at times prior thereto, at the Village
Farms, Marfa-
Division plant in Marfa, Texas, four Village Farms pruning/harvest
employees were
operating a rail cart on an unstable rail system. The employer did not
ensure the rail system
was properly maintained. Employees were exposed to fall hazards.
There is a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard: Maintaining
additional back-
stock of new supports w/straps in the facility the rail system will have
the support structure
needed to provide as safe working environment for employees.

Issued

Mar 30, 2011

Abate by

Apr 11, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $2,975 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5 (a) (1): The employer failed to keep the workplace free from a
hazard, likely to
cause serious harm to employees who were exposed.
On or about December 28, 2010 and at times prior thereto, at Village
Farms,
Marfa-Division
plant in Marfa, TX; walking-working surfaces of the Marfa greenhouse were
not maintained
in a clean and, so far as possible a dry condition. Employees were exposed
to slip and trip
hazards.
There is a feasible and useful method to correct the hazard: Where wet
processes are used,
drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats, or other
dry standing places
should be provided.

Issued

Mar 30, 2011

Abate by

Apr 5, 2011

Penalty

Initial $4,250 · Current $2,975 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5 (a) (1): The employer failed to keep the workplace free from a
hazard, likely to
cause serious harm to employees who were exposed.
On or about December 28, 2010 and at times prior thereto, at Village
Farms, Marfa-Division
plant in Marfa, TX; the drainage pipe openings for the collection points
located at the center
of the floor on both sides of the facility were not maintained and/or
covered. This condition
left an 8-inch opening between drainage pipe and floor opening. Employees
were exposed to
possible trip and fall hazards.
A feasible and useful method to correct the hazard: Every floor hole (at
the drainage pipes
central location) into which persons cannot accidently walk (on account of
the drainage pipe)
but could slip into should be protected by a cover that leaves no openings
more than 1 inch
wide. The cover shall be securely held in place to prevent employees from
slipping, tools or
other materials from falling through.