OSHA Inspection: THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:     (a) Sugar Beet Receiving: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a fall of approximately ten feet to the concrete below while using a stairway to gain access to the hopper in that the stairway is missing the mid rail.      (b) Bulk Line: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a fall of approximately eight feet to the concrete below while using a stairway to gain access to the metal detector in that the stairway is missing the standard railing on the left side as you access the upper platform.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $4,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1): Employees were not able to open an exit route door from the inside at all times without keys, tools, or special knowledge:     (a) Boiler House, South exit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that had a dead bolt lock that required a key to unlock and open.      (b) Jerry Turkin Area, Southeast corner exit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that required special knowledge in order to open. There are two doors at this emergency exit that are impeded with two different retention bars and each requires a different action in order to open.     (c) Rail Loading Area, Northeast corner exit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that had a Barrel Bolt Latch to secure the door. This door is locked at all times.      (d) Warehouse, Loading Dock: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that had two doors, each requiring a different action in order to open. The doors were impeded with a Barrel Bolt Latch used to secure the door.         (e) Warehouse, Shipping Office: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that had a dead bolt to secure the door. This door is locked at all times.      (f) Main Building, Front Office Door: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to becoming entrapped in the event of a fire due to an Emergency Exit that had a dead bolt to secure the door. This door is locked during the night shift during the campaign season.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.169(b)(2): Air receiver(s) were not drained frequently and at such intervals as to prevent the accumulation of excessive amounts of liquid in the receiver:        (a) Shipping/Receiving Dock: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazards associated with a high pressure vessel rupture due to oxidation from an accumulation of water in the Atlas Copco GAU 25-145 Air Compressor air tank.        (b) MCC Deck: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to the hazards associated with a high pressure vessel rupture due to oxidation from an accumulation of water in the unlabeled Air Compressor air tank.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(h)(4): Hooks did not meet the manufacturer's recommendations:      (a) Gran Pon Filters: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to being struck by the filter cover while removing them with a two ton bridge crane that had a missing safety latch where the load attaches to the crane latch and a damaged safety latch where the crane attaches to the bridge.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,805 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:     (a) Quality Analysis Laboratory: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working on the brie belt conveyor.     (b) Beet Handling: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working around the beet belt conveyor.       (c) MCC Deck: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working in the area of the screw conveyor.     (d) Mechanic Shop: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working in the area of the Axelson Lathe.       (e) Upper Maintenance Area: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working on Delta Drill Press with an unguarded chuck.     (f) Forklift Shop: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to struck by hazard while operating the Dake Power Press     (g) Mechanic Shop: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while working with an unmarked bench grinder equipped with only a wire wheel that had an unguarded spindle nut.       (h) Forklift Shop: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an amputation hazard while operating the Scotchman Hydraulic Press Brake.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(b): Machine(s) designed for fixed location(s) were not securely anchored to prevent walking or moving:     (a) Upper Maintenance Area: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, the Delta Milwaukee Drill Press was not securely anchored to prevent walking or moving. To actuate the drill press, the employee pulls down on the handle of the press which tips the press towards the employee. Operating the Delta Milwaukee Drill Press while it is not securely anchored exposed employees to a struck by hazard.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $5,805 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(3): Vertical and inclined shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting maintenance runways, were not enclosed with a stationary casing in accordance with requirements of paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section:    (a)  Centrifuge Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the Roberts Centrifuges #3.    (b) Centrifuge Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the Roberts Centrifuge #4.    (c) Centrifuge Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the Roberts Centrifuges #5.    (d) Centrifuge Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the Roberts Centrifuges #6.    (e) Centrifuge Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the Roberts Centrifuges #7.    (f) Pan Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the A Pan Agitator.    (g) Pan Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the B Pan Agitator.    (h) Pan Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the C Pan Agitator.    (i) Pan Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to getting caught in the unguarded shafts on the E Pan Agitator.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Unguarded projecting shaft end(s) did not present a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft:       (a) Sugar Boiler Area: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees are exposed to caught in hazards while working and walking in and around an unguarded projecting shaft end of the Fondit Mixer.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:     (a) Laboratory: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees are exposed to electric shocks and fires due to using two and four gang boxes that are designed for permanent internal wall use as temporary extension cords receptacles.        (b) Water Sample Shed: On or about 29 January 2013 and time prior thereto, employees are exposed to electric shocks and fires due to using two gang boxes that are designed for permanent internal wall use as temporary extension cords receptacles.     (c) Water Sample Shed: On or about 29 January 2013 and time prior thereto, employees were exposed to  electric shocks and fires due to using a light bulb socket designed for permanent internal wall use as temporary lighting.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $4,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    (a) Sump Pump Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to an electric shock from an unused opening in a float switch junction box.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,520 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:     (a) Loading Dock: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord as a replacement for permanent wiring for flood lights and various electrical equipment.    (b) Centrifuge Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord as a replacement for permanent wiring for fans and various electrical equipment.      (c) Rail Loading Platform: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord as a replacement for permanent wiring for flood lights and various electrical equipment.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(C): Flexible cords and cables were used where run through doorways, windows, or similar openings:  (a) Loading Dock: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord that was run through the doorway on the loading dock.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(D): Flexible cords and cables were used where attached to building surfaces:    (a) Centrifuge Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord attached to building surfaces.     (b) Rail Loading Platform: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed electric shock by using a 120 volt extension cord attached to building surfaces.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:   (a) Rail Loading Platform: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed electric shock by using a 120 volt conveyor switch that had a lack of strain relief to prevent the direct pull on the conductors.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $4,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(j)(2)(iv): A receptacle installed in a wet or damp location was not suitable for the location:     (a) Water Sample Shed: On or about 29 January 2013 and time prior thereto, employees were exposed to electric shock due to using three electrical outlets in the wet location to provide power to the temporary lighting fixture.     (b) Factory Laboratory: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees are exposed to electric shock due to using the electrical outlets located in and around laboratory sinks to provide power to the laboratory equipment.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $38,500 · Current $26,900 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms or service rooms were not kept clean and orderly or in a sanitary condition:     (a)  Boiler House Coal Ovens: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, approximately one fourth inch of combustible coal dust had accumulated on surfaces such as but not limited to, overhead piping, support structure and conduit.  The overhead areas are cleaned one time per year.  The accumulation of combustible coal dust exposed employees to fire and/or explosion hazards.       THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 311216287, CITATION 01, ITEM NUMBER 002 AND WAS AFFIRMED AS A FINAL ORDER ON JANUARY 12, 2009, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 3020 STATE AVENUE, BILLINGS, MONTANA 59101.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $27,500 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards:     (a) Bulk Shaker Deck: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to a fall of approximately fifteen feet to the floor below while working on the upper platform.      THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 311221220, CITATION NUMBER 001, ITEM NUMBER 001 AND WAS AFFIRMED AS A FINAL ORDER ON APRIL 6, 2010, WITH RESPECT TO THE WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 3020 STATE AVENUE, BILLINGS, MONTANA 59101

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $27,500 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): The employer did not inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces:     (a) Pellet Mill Furnace: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (b) East Dryer Fire Box Pit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (c) West Dryer Fire Box Pit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space  without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (d) Pellet Mill/Furnace Pit: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (e) East Dryer Drum: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (f) West Dryer Drums: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (g) East Dryer: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     (h) West Dryer: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to acute illness, impairment of ability to self-rescue, and/or death from atmospheres such as but not limited to; oxygen deficient atmospheres and carbon monoxide in the event they entered the confined space without being warned of the hazards and existence of confined space.     THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 311909444, CITATION 02, ITEM NUMBER 001 AND WAS AFFIRMED AS A FINAL ORDER ON MARCH 10, 2009, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 18317 HIGHWAY 144, FORT MORGAN COLORADO 80701.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $38,500 · Current $26,900 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, were not protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafting completely or by a trough enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting as location requires:     (a) Maintenance Area and Plant: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to amputation hazards and caught in hazards while working, and walking in and around unguarded or inadequately guarded FLOC pumps.     (b) Pan Floor: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to amputation hazards and caught in hazards while working, and walking in and around unguarded or inadequately guarded evaporator vacuum pumps.      (c) Knife Station: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to amputation hazards and caught in hazards while working, and walking in and around unguarded or inadequately guarded slicer motor shafts.      (d) MCC Deck: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to amputation hazards and caught in hazards while working, and walking in and around an unguarded or inadequately guarded shaft on the screw conveyor.      (e) Knife Sharpening Room: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were exposed to amputation hazards and caught in hazards while working, and walking in and around an unguarded or inadequately guarded shaft on the knife sharpeners.     THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE WAS PREVIOUSLY CITED FOR A VIOLATION OF THIS OCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH STANDARD, WHICH WAS CONTAINED IN OSHA INSPECTION NUMBER 311463145, CITATION 01, ITEM NUMBER 006 AND WAS AFFIRMED AS A FINAL ORDER ON MARCH 09, 2009, WITH RESPECT TO A WORKPLACE LOCATED AT 2100 OVERLAND DRIVE, SCOTTSBLUFF, NEBRASKA 69361.

Issued

Jul 25, 2013

Abate by

Aug 15, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(k)(6): The basic advisory information on respirators, as presented in Appendix D of this section, was not provided by the employer in any written or oral format, to employees who wear respirators when such use is not required by this section or by the employer:   (a) Laboratory: On or about January 29, 2013 and times prior thereto, employees were provided with N95 Dust Masks without being provided Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134.   (b) Maintenance Shop:  On or about 29 January, 2013 and at time prior thereto, employees were provided N95 Dust Masks without being provided Appendix D of 29 CFR 1910.134.