OSHA Inspection: MINOOKA GRAIN, LUMBER & SUPPLY CO., INC.

Issued

Apr 25, 2012

Abate by

May 25, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,550 · Current $1,530 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 November 7, 2011 through November 19, 2011, the employer did not ensure that bin entry permits were completed for all bin entries made by employees where the employer or the employer's representative (who would otherwise authorize the permit) was not present during the entire operation.  Employees entered full bins from the top in order to dig out moisture "hot spots" with shovels while standing on the top of stored grain and soybeans.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 25, 2012

Abate by

May 30, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,550 · Current $1,530 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2):   When entering the grain handling facility bins, silos, or tanks from the top, 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).  The lifeline was not positioned and of sufficient length to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain.    a.  On or about November 7, 2011 through November 19, 2011, employees entered full bins from the top above the level of the grain in order to dig out moisture "hot spots" with shovels.  Employees wore a full body harness connected to a lanyard that was connected to a choker slung around a concrete support beam at the top of the bins.  The total lifeline length was too long to prevent the employees from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain or soybeans.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 25, 2012

Abate by

May 30, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,550 · Current $1,530 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer did not provide equipment for rescue operations, which was specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered:    a.  On or about November 7, 2011 through November 19, 2011, the employer did not provide equipment for the rescue of employees who entered full bins of grain and soybeans from the top of the bins, above the level of the grain.  The employer did not have any effective means of extricating an employee from a bin in the event of entrapment or engulfment.  The employer was relying on the rescue equipment that would be provided by the local fire department in response to an emergency call by the employer.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 25, 2012

Abate by

May 25, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(1):  The employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program that established the frequency and the method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces.    a.  The employer's written housekeeping program did not establish the frequency of controlling grain dust accumulations throughout the facility.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d)(1)