OSHA Inspection: MIDLAND BEAN CO.

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.25(b)(1)(i): All wood parts shall be free from sharp edges and splinters; sound and free from accepted visual inspection from shake, wane, compression failures, decay, or other irregularities.  Low-density wood shall not be used:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from falls. The wood in the ladder used to access the packing/dirty bin was low-density (soft) wood.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(i): All rungs did not have a minimum diameter of three-fourths inch for metal ladders, except as covered in paragraph (b)(7)(i) of this section and a minimum diameter of 1 1/8 inches for wood ladders:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from falls. The wood rungs used in the wood ladder to access the packing/dirty bin were less than 1 1/8 inches in diameter (thickness).    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(b)(1)(ii): The distance between rungs, cleats, and steps exceeded 12 inches and were not uniform throughout the length of the ladder:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from falls. The distance between the rungs used in the wood ladder to access the packing/dirty bin was greater than 12 inches and were not uniform throughout the length of the ladder.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $9,240 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1):  Open sided floor(s) or platform(s) 4 feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded by standard railings (or the equivalent as specified in 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)(i) through (v)):    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, employees were exposed to injuries from falls. The empty box storage deck was missing its guardrail.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $9,240 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.27(f): All ladders were not maintained in a safe condition. All ladders were not inspected regularly, with the intervals between inspections being determined by use and exposure:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from falls. The ladder used to access the packing/dirty bin was not inspected to determine its integrity.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $9,240 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(i): The employer did not issue a permit for entering bins, silos or tanks in the grain handling facility before the employees entered the bins, silos, or tanks:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from bin entry hazards. A permit for entry into the packing/dirty bin was not issued prior to entry.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iii): The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank was not tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents when the employer has reason to believe they may be present. Additionally, the atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank was not tested for oxygen content unless there is continuous natural air movement or continuous forced-air ventilation before and during the period, employees are inside:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from bin entry hazards. The atmosphere within the packing/dirty bin was not tested prior to employees entering the bin to perform work task.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2): When entering the grain handling facility bins, silos, or tanks from a level at or above the level of the stored grain, employees did not wear a body harness with lifeline, or use a boatswain's chair that met the requirements of Subpart D, 29 CFR 1910.28(j):    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from bin entry hazards. Employees did not use a body harness with a lifeline or a boatswain's chair during entry into the packing/dirty bin.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

Dec 5, 2011

Abate by

Jan 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer of the grain handling facility did not provide equipment for rescue operation, which was specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered:    a) On or about September 21, 2011 and times prior, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from bin entry hazards. Rescue equipment was not provided for employees who entered the packing/dirty bin.    Abatement Verification:  Abatement certification and documentation is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").