OSHA Inspection: FLOWER MOTOR CO., INC.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,975 · Current $1,488 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards which were likely to  cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that, employees were exposed to crushing and struck-by hazards associated with improper operation of automotive lifts:      a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to crushing and struck-by injuries while they used automotive lifts in an inappropriate manner as follows:    1.  At least two Bishamon automotive lifts did not have properly functioning standard safety locking mechanisms that would prevent the lift from collapse in the event of a pressure failure.  The incremental locks did not catch as teh lifts were elevated.        2.  At least one Worth automotive lift had broken or defective swing arm locks.  These locks were designed to prevent the arms from moving horizonally during work on vehicles.      3.  Employees operating the lifts were not provided with the training necessary to safely operate them.  The employer had not shown employees the operators manual for the lifts they used and the operators manual was not immediately available to employees at the job site.      4.  Automotive lifts were not inspected at least annually by a qualified inspector to ensure they were in good working condition.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $1,785 · Current $898 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:      a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to cuts, bruises and other injuries produced by the breakage of abrasive grinding wheels while they used a bench grinder which had about a 1.25 inch gap between the abrasive wheel and the work rest.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9):  The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch:    a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to cuts, bruises and other injuries produced by the breakage of abrasive grinding wheels while they used a bench grinder which did not have a tongue guard and had about a .75 inch gap between the abrasive wheel and the housing of the wheel where the tongue guard should have been.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,380 · Current $1,190 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv):  Flexibles cords and cables were used for purposes prohibited by subparagraphs (a) through (e) of this paragraph:       a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical shock and fire hazards because flexible cords were attached to building surfaces in the service area.  Extension cords were attached to walls with metal hooks and plastic ties.      b)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical shock and fire hazards because flexible cords were run through holes in the wall of the shop.  Extension cords were run through walls in order to power outdoor equipment such as lights.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(2)(ii): When there was a defect or evidence of damage that could expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item was not removed from service until the repairs and tests necessary to render the electric equipment safe had been made:       a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical shock and fire hazards because the insulation of an extension cord used in the northwest corner of the service area was damaged.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(i):  A flexible cord used with grounding-type equipment did not contain an electric grounding conductor:        a)  On or about July 30, 2013, and at times prior, employees were exposed to electrical shock and fire hazard while they used an extension cord that was missing a grounding pin to power various equipment inside the shop.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(6):  Each exit sign was not illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source:      a)  On or about June 30, 2013, and at times prior, the exit signs at the north and south ends of the service shop were not illuminated by a reliable light source.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Abate by

Oct 1, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(h)(1): Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, was not provided by the employer at no cost to employees:  a)  On or about June 30, 2013, and at times prior, the employer did not provide employees with the PPE, such as gloves and glasses, they used to protect themselves from flying particles and cleaning and degreasing chemicals.  Some employees purchased their own equipment.

Issued

Sep 25, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(3): Portable fire extinguishers were not subjected to an annual maintenance check:    a)  On or about June 30, 2013, and at times prior, extinguishers to be used by employees in the event of a fire had not been subjected to a maintenance check for about 18 months.