OSHA Inspection: SYMMETRY TURF INSTALLATIONS, LLC.

Issued

Oct 16, 2012

Abate by

Oct 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):     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 performing installation of synthetic turf during elevated heat conditions were exposed to excessive heat:    On or about June 24, 2012, employees performed tasks associated with the installation of synthetic turf at an outdoor football practice facility.  According to the National Weather Service environmental data the mid-morning ambient air temperature was 92 degrees F. relative humidity 37%, and heat index of 93 degress F.  The employer failed to ensure that employees working outdoors were acclimatized to the heat and provided with a climate-controlled area to take breaks.     Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement method to correct his hazard is to establish a heat stress management program which incorporates guidelines from the ACGIH's threshold limit values and biological exposure indices and/or the National Institutue for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) document. "Working in the Hot Environments," and OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page on Occupational Heat Exposure.  Such a program may include, but is not limited to:

Issued

Oct 16, 2012

Abate by

Oct 17, 2012

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2):     The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.    On June 24, 2012, and at times prior thereto, on the University of Arkansas Practice Field, where employees were exposed to the hazard of heat stress conditions during the performance of their duties. The employer had not effectively communicated to the employees the health effects of heat-related illnesses and acclimatization to the work environment.