OSHA Inspection: DANIEL AVILLA

Issued

Nov 30, 2009

Abate by

Dec 24, 2009

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750

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:
On or about November 5, 2009, and times thereto, an employee was exposed
to the
hazard of being caught in the blades of a Drywall Mixing Machine while it
was in
operation.  The employee was adding (dry) All Purpose Joint Compound and
water to
the hopper of a Sprayforce Hurricane 225XM Drywall Mixing Machine.  The
Mixing
Machine comes from the manufacturer with a safety grate that is bolted in
the down
position to protect the operator from engaging the mixing blades.  The
employer had
the safety grate raised in the up position which allowed the employee to
be directly
exposed to the mixing blade, thus exposing him to a "caught in" hazard.
One feasible means of abatement would be to follow the manufacturers
mandated
safety requirements spelled out in the operators' manual and also posted
via placards
on the mixer.  The requirement is to have the grate bolted in the down
position prior
to operating the engine or the mixer itself.

Issued

Nov 30, 2009

Abate by

Dec 24, 2009

Penalty

Initial $750 · Current $750