OSHA Inspection: WEST MEMPHIS STEEL CORPORATION

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Nov 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i):     Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    On or about July 2, 2012 and at times prior thereto this employer failed to develop, document and utilize procedures for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section for specific machines and equipment such as but not limited to, guillotine shears, press brakes, and band saws.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Nov 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,450 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(c)(6):     Slings were not securely attached to their loads:    On or about July 2, 2012 and at times prior thereto in the warehouse and bar room slings used to move and place loads such as steel beams and bars were not securely attached. The alloy chain slings were equipped with open latch hooks that were attached directly to the beams and bars themselves rather than being used to form a basket or choke type hitch. This exposed employees to being struck by the load should the hook slip off or be jarred from the load.

Issued

Nov 14, 2012

Abate by

Nov 27, 2012

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,450 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii):     Point(s) of operation of machinery were not guarded to prevent employee(s) from having any part of their body in the danger zone(s) during operating cycle(s):    Instance a): On or about July 2, 2012 in the sheet room the hold downs of the following guillotine shears were not properly adjusted to prevent employees from having any part of their body in the danger zone during operating cycles.    Cincinnati Shear, Model 1812G, S/N 49519  Cincinnati Shear, Model 1812G, S/N 49116   Cincinnati Shear, Model 2512G, S/N 53303    Instance b): On or about July 2, 2012 in the sheet room the barrier guard sections of the following guillotine shears that were located 3.5 inches from the blade had openings varing from 1.5 to 2.6 inches in width. This exposed employees to having a body parts in the danger zone during operation cycles.     Cincinnati Shear, Model 1812G, S/N 49116   Cincinnati Shear, Model 2512G, S/N 53303    Instance c): On or about July 2, 2012 in the bar room the the unused portion of the Armstrong-Blum, Series 81, Marvel band saw blade being used to cut box steel was not guarded. This exposed employees to having a body parts in the danger zone during the cutting operation.