OSHA Inspection: NIX FOREST INDUSTRIES INC.

Issued

Jun 10, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,800 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:    The employer does not ensure that procedures are utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in service and maintenance activities.  This violation occurred on December 05, 2012, in the band mill and carriage machines areas where;    a) Employees, who cleaned, removed debris, and unjammed machines and equipment, were exposed to the release of potential enregy created by a rotating, tensioned saw.    b) Employees, who cleaned, removed debris and unjammed machines and equipment, were exposed to mechanical energy created by moving stock, tong dogs, and carriage.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, and service rooms were not kept clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition:     The employer does not ensure that equipment, walls and ledges are kept free of hazardous accumulations of dust.  This violation was observed on December 06, 2012, throughout the workplace; where saw dust had accumulated on equipment, walls and ledges at depths of up to 7-inches.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): The floor of every workroom was not maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition:    The employer does not ensure that workroom floors are kept free of hazardous accumulations of dust.  This violation was observed on December 06, 2012, throughout the workplace; where saw dust had accumulated on the workroom floors.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c)(2)(i):  Equipment was not approved for the class of location, and for the ignitable or combustible properties of the specific gas, vapor, dust, or fiber that was present:     The employer does not ensure that equipment is approved for the class of location, and for the ignitable or combustible properties of the saw dust that was present.  This violation was discovered on January 17, 2013, in the sawmill:    a) Eaton, Cutler - Hammer electrical disconnect, 30 amp 600 VAC/60 Hz/ 250VAC;       b) Allen Bradley electrical disconnects, Model No.: 1K1200-200AMP-300AMP, Serial No.: NYP7 38;        c) Eaton, Cutler - Hammer electrical disconnect, 30 amp 600 VAC/60 Hz/ 250VAC Model No. / Serial No. N/A;        d) Eaton, Cutler - Hammer electrical circuit breaker box, including 50-amp/30-amp/20-amp circuit breakers.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(d):  All conduits were not threaded and made wrench-tight:       The employer does not ensure that conduits in hazardous areas are made wrench-tight.  This violation was discovered on January 17, 2013, where 3/4-inch flexible metal conduit and 1-inch electrical metallic tubing were not made wrench-tight in areas where saw dust had accumulated:     a) In the Sawyer and Gang Saw operations area, electrical metallic conduit connected to an Eaton, Cutler - Hammer electrical disconnect, 30 amp 600 VAC/60 Hz/ 250VAC;     b) In the Saw Bearer and electrical service area, electrical metallic conduit connected to Allen Bradley electrical disconnects, Model No.: 1K1200-200AMP-300AMP, Serial No.: NYP7 38;     c) In the Edgers work area, electrical metallic conduit connected to an Eaton, Cutler - Hammer electrical disconnect, 30 amp 600 VAC/60 Hz/ 250VAC Model No. / Serial No. N/A;      d) In the area of the C Frame conveyor, 3/4-inch flexible metal conduit providing power to a Toshiba 480V/600Hz electric motor.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

General-duty citation text

1910.23(a)(3): Every hatchway and chute floor opening was not guarded by: (i) a hinged floor opening cover of standard strength and construction equipped with standard railings or permanently attached thereto so as to leave only one exposed side; or (ii) a removable railing with toeboard on not more than two sides of the opening and fixed standard railings with toeboards on all other exposed sides:     The employer does not ensure employees are protected from falling into or through chute floor openings.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012; where employees, who were cleaning the Band Mill, were not protected from falling into or through a 24-inch wide x 74-inch long chute floor opening.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level was not guarded by a standard railing (or the equivalent as specified in 29 CFR 1910.23(e)(3)) on all open sides except where there was entrance to a ramp, stairway, or fixed ladder:    The employer does not ensure that all open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above the adjacent floor or ground level are guarded.  This violation was observed on December 06, 2012, at the saw bearer's work station; where an opening that was approximately 45-inches long by 20-inches wide exposed employees to a fall hazard of approximately 8-feet, 10-inches.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(3): Regardless of height, open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment and similar hazards were not guarded with a standard railing and toe board:    The employer does not ensure that all open-sided floors, walkways, platforms, or runways above or adjacent to dangerous equipment, are guarded with a standard railing and toe board.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, at an elevated walkway between the saw bearer's workstation to the gang saw operator's position; where an approximate 85-inch long by 11-inch wide opening near hydraulic supply & return lines was not guarded with a standard railing and toe board.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer did not verify that the required workplace hazard assessment had been performed through a written certification that identified the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation had been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identified the document as a certification of hazard assessment:    The employer does not verify, through a written certification, that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where the employer did not verify that an assessment of workplace hazards had been performed.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,050 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(c)(1)(i): Toilet facilities, in toilet rooms separate for each sex, were not provided in all places of employment in accordance with table J-1 of 29 CFR 1910.141:    The employer does not ensure toilet facilities are provided in the workplace.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill, where the employer did not provide toilet facilities.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.141(d)(2)(i): Lavatories were not made available in all places of employment:     The employer does not ensure that lavatories with hot and cold or tepid running water, hand soap and individual hand towels are avaiable in the workplace.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where lavatories were not made available to employees..

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program were understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls were acquired by employees:     The employer does not ensure that employees are provided training in the purpose and function of the energy control program.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where employees were exposed to potential hazardous energy at the band mill, head rig carriage track, in-feed rolls and gang arbor areas.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(4)(i): Tagout devices were not affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees:    The employer does not ensure that tagout devices are affixed to eah energy isolating device by authorized employees.  This violation was discovered on December 11, 2012, in sawmill; where employees, who serviced and maintained the gang saw, did not apply tagout devices to the two main circuit breakers labeled, "Number 1 Arbor" and "Number 2 Arbor," and were exposed to potential hazardous energy.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $4,900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulleys, any parts of which were seven (7) feet or less from the floor or working platform, were not guarded in accordance with the standards specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    The employer does not ensure that pulleys with parts that are seven (7) feet or less from the floor or work platform, are guarded.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where:      (a) Employees were not protected from contacting two (2) pulleys to the Armstrong band saw blade sharpener.     (b) Employees were not protected from contacting pulleys on the Toshiba electric motor and C Frame conveyor.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Where both runs of horizontal belts were seven (7) feet or less from the floor level, the guard did not extend to at least fifteen (15) inches above the belt or to a standard height:  The employer does not ensure that both runs of horizontal belts that are seven (7) feet or less from the floor level have a guard that extends to at least fifteen (15) inchs above the belt or to a standard height.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where:    (a) Employees were not protected from contacting both runs of the horizontal belt to the Armstrong band saw blade sharpener.   (b) Employees were not protected from contacting both runs of the horizontal belt between the Toshiba electric motor and the C Frame conveyor.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(18)(i): Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors were not in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which was incorporated by reference as specified in 29 CFR 1910.6:    The employer does not ensure one or more methods of machine guarding is provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by ingoing nip points, and rotating parts.  This violation was observed on December 11, 2012, in the sawmill; where:       (a) Ingoing nip point located between the rotating sprocket and chain components on the Cant conveyor.    (b) Ingoing nip point located between the rotating sprocket and chain components on the Edger conveyor.    (c) Ingoing nip point located between the rotating sprocket and chain components on the Trimmer conveyor.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(e)(1)(v): Warning signs were not posted at possible entry points to log carriage areas:     The employer does not ensure that warning signs are posted at possible entry points to log carriage areas.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where warning signs were not posted at entry points to the log carriage area at the McDonough Band Mill.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(e)(2)(ii)(c): Band saw wheels were not completely encased or guarded:     The employer does not ensure that band saw wheels are completely guarded.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, in the sawmill; where the saw wheels to the McDonough Band Mill (model number: 6-7A) were not completely guarded.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

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

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings were not effectively closed:      The employer does not ensure that unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings are effectively closed.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012 and December 11, 2012, in the sawmill; where employees were exposed to electrical hazards while working in areas where unused openings in cabinets, boxes and fittings were not effectively closed:     (a) At the Saw Bearers work area, one Eaton, Cutler / Hammer electrical disconnect.    (b) At  the Saw Bearers work area, one Allen Bradley 2100 motor controller.    (c) At the Edgers work area, one Eaton, Cutler / Hammer electrical disconnect.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 6, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i):  Each pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings in completed installations did not have a cover, face plate, or fixture canopy:    The employer does not ensure that each pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings in completed installations has a cover, face plate, or fixture canopy.  This violation was discovered on December 12, 2012, in the sawmill; where employees were exposed to live electrical conductors, where one (1) ninety-degree metal conduit body located in the sorter - stacker area did not have a cover or face plate.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $49,000 · Current $24,500 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:    The employer does not ensure that procedures are utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in service and maintenance activities.  This violation occurred on December 05, 2012, in the band mill and carriage machines areas where;    a) Employees, who cleaned, removed debris, and unjammed machines and equipment, were exposed to the release of potential enregy created by a rotating, tensioned saw.    b) Employees, who cleaned, removed debris and unjammed machines and equipment, were exposed to mechanical energy created by moving stock, tong dogs, and carriage.

Issued

Jun 3, 2013

Abate by

Jun 10, 2013

Penalty

Initial $700 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1904.32(b)(3): The Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A or equivalent) was not properly certified:     The employer does not ensure that the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (OSHA Form 300A or equivalent) was properly certified.  This violation was discovered on December 06, 2012, where the employer did not certify the summary of work-related injuries and illness for years 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.