OSHA Inspection: GOLDEN BOY NUT CORPORATION

Issued

Oct 3, 2012

Abate by

Nov 7, 2012

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $2,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): The employer did not administer a continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.9(c) through (o) whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels measured on the A scale, or equivalently a dose of fifty percent:    (a) Peanut Butter Mill Area: On or about September 13, 2012: an employee operating the peanut butter mill was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 129% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 91.8 dBa) which is approximately 2.58 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 85dBa) Results are based on a 449 minute sampling period conducted. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 31 minute period not sampled.    (b) Peanut Butter Mill Area: On or about September 13, 2012: an employee adding the dry mix ingredients to the the peanut butter mill was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 109% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 91.1 dBa) which is approximately 2.18 times the action level of 50% (equivalent to an 8 hour TWA of 85dBa) Results are based on a 445 minute sampling period conducted. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 35 minute period not sampled.