OSHA Inspection: FARMERS COOPERATIVE

Issued

Jul 30, 2013

Abate by

Aug 17, 2013

Penalty

Initial $38,500 · Current $22,750 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:Note:  Toeboards are only required when persons can pass, there is moving equipment or there is equipment with which falling materials could create a hazard.     The employer is failing to protect employees from potential fall hazards associated with employees working on an elevated platform with unprotected edges and fall hazards greater than 4 feet.  This was most recently evident during the inspection of the facility located at 2312 State Hwy 41, Wilber, NE 68465, where the employer has employees using the work platform above the boot pit as a means of access between the main level and the sub level where inadequate railing has left potential fall hazards.  Instances include but are not limited to:    i.    A gap in the railing next to the conveyor system of 17 wide creating a fall hazard to the floor more than 10 feet below.      ii.   Ladder access point to the boot pit is left unguarded creating a fall hazard to the floor more than 10 feet below.    Farmers Cooperative was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number314061573, citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on 2/15/12, with respect to a workplace located at 1345 S. Burlington Ave, Exeter, NE 68351.