OSHA Inspection: WASTE MANAGEMENT

Issued

Aug 13, 2012

Abate by

Sep 4, 2012

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act:  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 trash collection during elevated heat conditions were exposed to excessive heat:    a)	Hopewell Township, NJ:  On May 29, 2012 employees were exposed to excessive heat conditions while performing outdoor trash collection.  The employer's heat management program did not contain a work rule that employees working in excessive heat conditions drink 5 to 7 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes rather than relying on thirst.    Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable method of abatement includes, but is not limited to establishing a heat stress management program which incorporates guidelines from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) document, "working in Hot Environments," and OSHA's Safety and Health Topics Page on Occupational Heat Expoosure.  Among other measures, such a program may include:    1. Acclimatizing employees beginning work in hot environments or those returning from absent periods of three or more days.  2. Implementing a work/rest regimen that includes a provision to allow employees to become acclimatized to extreme heat conditions.  3. Rescheduling work during the cooler periods of the day (e.g., early mornings and/or in the evenings).   4. Providing cool water and encouraging employees to drink 5 to 7 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes rather than relying on thirst.   5. Providing a training program for all employees, including temporary employees, contractors, and part-time employees, regarding the health effects associated with heat stress, symptoms of heat-induced illness, and methods of preventing such illnesses.   6. Establishing a screening program to identify health conditions aggravated by exposure to heat stress.      NOTE: IN ADDITION TO ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION, THE EMPLOYER IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION FOR THIS ITEM. FAILURE TO COMPLY WILL RESULT IN AN ADDITIONAL PENALTY OF $1000.00 IN ACCORDANCE WITH 29 CFR 1903.19.