OSHA Inspection: VPP GROUP, LLC

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): On offhand grinding machines, work rests were not used to support the work. Work rests were not kept adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch to prevent the work from being jammed between the wheel and the rest, which may cause wheel breakage.     The employer did not adjust the work rest for the grinder to less than one-eighth inch between the grinding wheel and the rest.  Employees were exposed to being struck by flying abrasive wheel fragments.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): Safety guards of the types described in Subparagraphs (3) and (4) of thisparagraph, where the operator stands in front of the opening, were not constructed so that the peripheral protecting member can be adjusted to the constantly decreasing diameter of the wheel. The maximum angular exposure above the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle as specified in paragraphs(b)(3) and (4) of this section shall never be exceeded, and the distance between the wheel periphery and the adjustable tongue or the end of the peripheral member at the top exceed one-fourth inch. (See Figures O-18, O-19, O-20, O-21, O-22, and O-23.)    The distance between the adjustable tongue guard and the face of the grinding wheel of the pedestal grinder exceeded one-fourth inch.  Employees were exposed to being struck by flying abrasive wheel fragments.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Services, feeders, and branch circuits. Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose, unless located and arranged so the purpose is evident.    Maintenance Shop - The overcurrent devices (circuit breakers) contained within the panelboard were not legibly marked and others did not indicate their purposes.  Employees working on or near connected equipment were exposed to electrical hazards.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5):  Grounding path. The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous, and effective.      A fluorescent light fixture used on the kill floor was not grounded.  The equipment grounding conductor was not connected to the fixture.  Employees performing a repair in the immediate area were exposed to the hazard of electrocution.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:    Employees were not protected from inadvertent contact with live (energized) parts above the kill floor where electrical conduit boxes were not enclosed or covered.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of electrocution.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $5,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;      Temporary wiring was used by the employer to power lights and fans over the kill floor and throughout the facility.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.    (a)  No strain relief was provided for the Butcher Boy meat saw resulting in damage to the flexible cord from pull being transmitted to the joint where the cord entered and terminals in the box.    (b)  No strain relief was provided for a flexible cord supplying power to the fluoresent light fixture above the kill floor, resulting in pull being transmitted to the joint where the chord entered the fixture.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $35,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers, were not provided, used, nor maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact.    Employees working over the kill floor were not protected from falling approximately 15 feet to the lower levels.  The employer failed to ensure the use of personal fall arrest equipment where necessary to protect employees while in the process of performing maintenance.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $70,000 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(e)(1):  Cabinets, cutout boxes, fittings, boxes, and panelboard enclosures in damp or wet locations were not installed so as to prevent moisture or water from entering and accumulating within the enclosures and were not mounted so there was at least 6.35-mm (0.25-in.) airspace between the enclosure and the wall or other supporting surface. The enclosures were not weatherproof in wet locations.    (a)  Kill Floor - Electrical boxes and fittings were installed in damp and wet locations.  Boxes allowed moisture and/or water to enter and accumulate.  Fittings also allowed moisture and/or water to enter and accumulate on and around energized conductors.  Employees who made inadvertent contact with the equipment and connected components were exposed to shock, burn and electrocution.    (b)  Head Room - Electrical boxes and fittings were installed in damp and wet locations.  Boxes allowed moisture and/or water to enter and accumulate.  Fittings also allowed moisture and/or water to enter and accumulate on and around energized conductors.  Employees who made inadvertent contact with the equipment and connected components were exposed to shock, burn and electrocution.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 8, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $7,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(1)(iv):  Fixtures installed in wet or damp locations were not identified for the purpose and were not constructed or installed so that water cannot enter or accumulate in wireways, lampholders, or other electrical parts.    Kill Floor - Five lighting fixtures, installed in this wet locations were not identified for use in wet locations and allowed water to enter and accumulate around energized conductors and parts contained within the fixtures.  Employees who made inadvertent contact with the conductive surfaces of the fixtures and supporting structures were exposed to shock, burn and electrocution.

Issued

Jun 7, 2012

Abate by

Jun 14, 2012

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(ii)(D): Lockout devices and tagout devices did not indicate the identity of the employee applying the devices(s).    Boning Room - The lock used to lock out the skinner did not indicate the identity of the employee applying the lock.