OSHA Inspection: BLAND FARMS PRODUCTION AND PACKING, LLC

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,700 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 that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that in that employees were elevated working from wooden and plastic crates that were supported by a forklift, thus exposing employees to fall and struck-by hazards:     a) Outside onion crate staging area across street - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees used a JCB 930, Rough Terrain forklift to elevate employees to attach corner bracing diagonally to the corners of the stacked crates.  The forklift manufacture does not allow lifting personnel with this model, exposing an employee to struck-by and fall hazards up to about 16 feet.        b) Outside onion waste truck near refueling area - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees who operated forklifts throughout the jobsite attached with rotators used an unapproved platform such as onion crates to elevate personnel onto the back of the onion waste truck, exposing an employee to struck-by and fall hazards up to about 8 feet.        c) Continuous Bin Tilt (CBT) machines # 1 and # 2 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees who operated forklifts throughout the jobsite attached with rotators elevated employees using an unapproved work platform (onion crate) onto the CBT machines to reset sensors, un-jam onion crates, exposed employees to struck-by and fall hazards up to about 10 feet.        d) Portable Onion Hoppers throughout facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees who operated forklifts throughout the jobsite attached with rotators used an unapproved work platform to elevate personnel onto the onion hoppers to retrieve broken onion crates, thus exposing employees to struck-by and fall hazards up to about 10 feet.      ABATEMENT  CERIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,700 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.     a) Throughout the facility - On or about, and at time prior to July 5, 2013, the employer did not ensure fall protection was provided such as, but not limited to standard guardrails that consisted of a top rail, midrail and toeboard, exposing employees to a fall hazards up to 10 feet.                    Locations                   a-1 Grader # 1 and # 2 platform - about 7.5 feet fall distance                    a-2 Grader # 1 and # 2 Continuous Bin Tilt and Restack Machine - about 10 feet                    a-3 Portable Hopper used when CBT is down - about 10 feet      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(8): Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk were not guarded:  a) Bagging Area/Waste Conveyor - On or about and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure the waste conveyor was properly guarded, exposing employees to trip and caught-in hazards.     b) Bagging Area Line #5 Mezzanine Area DAUMER Weigh Machine, Model PA-63 - On or about and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees who were required to access the upper mezzanine were exposed to a floor opening, exposing employees to fall and trip hazard.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1): Flights of stairs having four or more risers were not equipped with a standard railing as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section:   a)  Throughout facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure stairs with 4 or more risers were equipped with standard stair railings consisting of a top rail and a midrail, exposing employees to  fall hazards up to about 7 feet.     Locations a-1 Grader Machine # 2 access to grading tables and control booth area - about 7-feet  a-2 Grader Machine # 2 Box Making Area - about 3.5 feet    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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)  Throughout facility such as in the Bagging Area Packing Carousel Line # 10 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure walkways between equipment were maintained free of trip hazards such as, but not limited to power cords that exposed employees to trip hazards.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    a) Forklift LP-Gas Tank refueling area - On or about, and at times prior to July 31, 2013, the employer did not perform a hazard assessment to ensure employees were protected with proper personnel protective equipment (PPE) such as, but not limited to gloves, goggles and face shield when performing forklift refueling activity, thus exposing the employees to chemical burns.        ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation:  a) Outside forklift LP-Gas refueling area - On or about, and at times prior to July 31, 2013, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with eye and face protection when refueling portable LP-Gas cylinders,  exposing employees to chemical burn hazards.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employee(s) to use appropriate hand protection when employees' hands were exposed to hazards such as those from skin absorption of harmful substances; severe cuts or lacerations; severe abrasion; punctures; chemical burns; thermal burns; and harmful temperature extremes.  a) Outside forklift LP-Gas refueling area - On or about, and at times prior to July 31, 2013, the employer did not ensure employees were provided with hand protection when refueling portable LP-Gas cylinders,  exposing employees to chemical burn hazards.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,400 · Current $3,240 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): The employer did not establish a program consisting of an energy control procedure, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performed any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energing, startup or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative:     a) Throughout the facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 3, 2013 thru July 31, 2013, the employer did not establish an comprehensive written energy-control program or specific procedures for the production areas to ensure employees were isolated from sources of energy while clearing clogs, jams, performing maintenance, or housekeeping functions on machinery such as, but not limited to MAF Elevator Roll, Continuous Bin Tilt machine (CBT), or other machine components that integrate Graders # 1 and # 2 machines, exposing employees to struck-by, caught-in, and amputation hazards.       ABATEMENT DOCUMENTATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,160 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(b): Material stored in tiers was not stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse:    a)    Area near front bagging area near Line # 10 - On or about July 31, 2013, there were numerous reusable plastic containers (RPCs) that were stacked and palletized waiting to be used that were not stacked properly to prevent them falling, thus exposing employees  to struck-by and crushing hazards.    b)    Grader # 2 box making area - On or about, and times prior to July 25, 2013, there were card board boxes used for packing that were stacked and palletized waiting to be used that were not stacked properly to prevent them falling, thus exposing employees  to struck-by and crushing hazards.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(3)(i)(K):  Powered industrial truck operators did not receive initial training in refueling and/or charging and recharging of batteries:    a) LP-Gas refueling procedures - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure forklift training content was specific to proper refueling procedures and the hazards associated Liquid-Petroleum Gas, thus exposing employees to explosion, struck-by, and chemical burns.          ABATEMENT CERTICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $3,780 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)  Grader # 2 Roller Elevator Conveyor - On or about, and at time prior to July 3, 2013, employees were allowed to operate a MAF Elevator Roll Conveyor, S/N 1036-001, with the guards open and not secured or in place, exposing employees to caught-in, struck-by and amputation hazards.       b)  Bagging Area Line # 1 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013,  employees were allowed to operate SORMA Bagging Machines, Model BSV134, S/N 1031037 and 1031247, with guards and interlocks removed or bypassed, exposing employees to caught-in, struck-by and amputation hazards      c)  Bagging Area Line # 3, S & B Weigh Machine, Model CP 800, and two DUAMER Bagging Machines, Model CB48 V1, S/N 044892 and 064811, with guards and interlocks removed or bypassed, exposing employees to caught-in, struck-by and amputation hazards.     d)  Bagging Area Line #5, DAUMER Weigh Machine, Model PA-63, and two DUAMER Bagging Machines, Model CB48 V1, S/N 064844 and 064859,  with guards and interlocks removed or bypassed, exposing employees to caught-in, struck-by and amputation hazards    e)  Bagging Area lines # 7 through # 10 Clipper Machines were missing back panel guards, exposing employees to caught-in, struck-by and amputation hazards.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION AND DOCUMENTAION ARE REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(5): Fan blade guard(s) were not provided where the periphery of the blades was less than seven feet from the floor or working level:   a) Throughout facility - On or about and at time prior to July 25, 2013, portable fans did not provide adequate guarding, exposing employees to struck-by, and amputation hazards.                                       Locations  a-1 Bagging Area Line # 1 Grading Area a-2 Bagging Area Line 7 through 10 Clipper Area  a-3 Grader # 2 Onion staging area     ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven (7) feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:      a) Throughout facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not adequately guard rotating chains and sprockets, thus exposing employees to caught-in, and crush-by and amputation hazards.       Locations  a-1 Continuous Bin Tilt Machine Grader 1 and 2  a-2 Line # 8 Weigher S& B Exposed Chain and Sprocket   a-3 Grading Conveyor Line #8 Brown Conveyor   a-4 Bagging Area Line # 5 bagging Machines   a-5 Bagging Area Line # 3 Bagging Machines   a-6 Grader # 1 Grading Conveyor located on east near stair access      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(ii): The unused keyway(s) of projecting shaft end(s) were not filled up or covered:   a) Grader # 1 east side grading conveyor - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not adequately guard a rotating shaft, exposing employees to caught-in and struck-by hazards.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED.

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):  a) Bagging Area - On or about and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure pulleys were adequately guarded, exposing employees to amputation, caught-in, and struck-by hazards.        Locations            a-1 Bagging Area Grading Area Line # 8 grading conveyor          a-2 Bagging Grading Area Line # 9 grading conveyor          a-3 Bagging Area Waste Conveyor Area         a-4 Bagging Area Line #5      ABATEMENT CERTICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical or inclined belt(s) were not enclosed by guard(s) conforming to the requirements specified at 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):  a) Bagging Area - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure incline belts were guarded, exposing employees to caught-in hazards.            Locations              a-1 Bagging Area Grading Area Line # 8 grading conveyor              a-2 Bagging Grading Area Line # 9 grading conveyor              a-3 Bagging Area Waste Conveyor Area             a-4 Bagging Area Line #5      ABATEMENT CERTICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:    a)  Bagging Area near Clipper Machine Line # 9 and # 10 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, an employee was observed using a air gun without a safety relief device or airport (diffuser) within the system, exposing the employee to struck-by hazards.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,620 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) Bagging Area at forklift battery recharging area - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, employees used battery chargers, Model EnForcer FERRO, that were not installed and used per manufacturers safe operating procedures, in that the battery chargers were installed and supported by plywood (combustible material), exposing employees to life safety hazards such as fire and smoke inhalation.      b) Throughout the facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer used power cords attached to metallic   4 inch - by - 4 inch boxes that were used as power strips and pendants , exposing employees to life safety and shock hazards.       Locations:  b-1  Bagging Area 2 near Quality Control Table   b-2  Packing Area used to support cooling fans  b-3  Bagging Area 1 near Line # 2  b-4  West Wall across from Grader #1 area next to forklift battery charging area  b-5  West Wall at Grader #2  near box feed area      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7): Electrical equipment was not installed in a neat and workmanlike manner:  a)  Bagging Area grading table Line # 8 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure electric wires and surface mounted equipment such as a disconnect panel box with a knife switch attached was installed in a neat and workmanlike manner.  The disconnect panel box was not secured in a way that would allow access to the knife switch causing the knife to obstructed, exposing employees to life safety hazard.       ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by Subpart S of Part 1910, live parts of electric equipment operating  at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the means identified in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i):    a) Panel Box next to maintenance shop - On or about, and at times prior to July 23, 2013, panel box near Bland Farm maintenance shop was missing breakers, exposing employees to shock and fire hazards.    b) Panel Box on East wall near Grader # 1 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, panel box near Grader #1 east wall was missing breakers, exposing employees to shock and fire hazards.    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,620 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5): The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous, and effective:    a)  Bagging Area near Quality Control Table line #10 - On or about,  and at time prior to July 25, 2013, the employer did not ensure the path to ground was continuous on an orange 12 AWG FT2 SJTW extension cord that supplied power to a portable scale, exposing employees to an electric shock hazard.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Flexible cords and/ or cables were used for purposes prohibited by paragraphs (A) through (F) of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv):   a)  Grader # 1 control panel area - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, black flexible power cords were connected to the panel boxes and were hard wired used as fixed wiring, exposing employees to life safety and electric shock hazard.     ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords were not connected to devices and fittings so that tension would not be transmitted to joints or terminal screws:  a)  Bagging Area Line # 1/Grading Conveyor that supplies onions to S & B Weigh Machine CP800 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, an electric motor with power cord attached was without strain relief, exposing employees to fire and shock hazard.      b)  Bagging Area Line # 3, scale conveyor supporting S & B Weigh Machine, Model CP 800, and two DUAMER Bagging Machines, Model CB48 V1, S/N 044892 and 064811- On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, an electric motor with power cord attached was without strain relief, exposing employees to fire and shock hazard.      c)  Bagging Area Line # 3, scale conveyor supporting S & B Weigh Machine, Model CP 800, and two DUAMER Bagging Machines, Model CB48 V1, S/N 044892 and 064811- On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, an electric motor with power cord attached was without strain relief, exposing employees to fire and shock hazard.      d) Clipper machine Area Line # 8 - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, a surface mount disconnect with power cord attached was without strain relief, exposing employees to fire and shock hazard.      e) Grader # 1 Area, Transfer Conveyor electric motor - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, an electric motor with power cord attached was without strain relief, exposing employees to fire and shock hazard.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(d)(2): Panelboards other than the dead front externally-operable type were accessible to unqualified persons:    a)  Grader # 1 and # 2 Area, CBT Machine Control Panel  - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013,  employees who were not qualified by training or experience were allowed to open a 480-volt control panel to reset the disconnect switch.  The control panel contained exposed live parts such as, bit not limited to lugs, nuts and wires, exposing employees to electric and shock hazards.      ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:   a) Throughout facility  - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer failed to ensure unused openings in panels, disconnects, and junction boxes were effectively closed, in that knockouts were missing, exposing employees to electric shock and life safety hazards.                     Locations                  a-1 Bagging Area line # 8 grading conveyor metal - junction box                   a-2 Bagging Area line # 8 grading conveyor - junction box                   a-3 Bagging Area line # 8 south side of grading conveyor - disconnect box                   a-4 Bagging Area line # 8 disconnect mounted on weight scale support leg - disconnect box                      a-5 Bagging Area Line # 1 SORMA bagging machines S/N 1031037 and 1031247 - control panel box                       a-6 Grader # 2 Continuous Bin (CBT Control Panel) Stacker De-stacker - junction box                   a-7 Grader # 2 Box Packing Area/ 2 Panel Boxes located on the west wall                  a-8 Grader # 2 Box Pack out Feed Area- Disconnect box mounted on out feed roll conveyor     ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:  a)  Throughout the facility - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, surface mount electric boxes and covers on bagging machines were missing cover plates or cover plates that were partially open exposing live parts, exposing employees to life safety and and electric shock hazards.    Locations a-1 Bagging Area - Junction box attached to scale table leg between line #9  a-2 Bagging Area - Junction box attached to grading conveyor electric motor line #8  a-3 Bagging Area - Junction box attached to electric motor supporting line #5 grading conveyor a-4 Bagging Area - Speed control boxes, near grading conveyor line #5 a-5 Bagging Area - Junction box near line #5 grading conveyor  a-6 Bagging Area - Machine panels on line # 5 bagging machines a-7 Grader # 1 - E-stop junction box attached to Grader # 1 grading conveyor located on east side a-8 Grader # 1 - Elevated Transfer Conveyor that loads onions onto horizontal belt conveyor a-9 Grader # 2 - Cable tray located on the west wall next to Grader # 2 box pack out area  a-10 Grader # 2 - large upright control panel below Grader #2 control booth - between floor and bottom of panel displayed exposed energized wires        ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED

Issued

Dec 24, 2013

Abate by

Jan 22, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): The employer did not develop, implement, and/or maintain at the workplace a written hazard communication program which describes how the criteria specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f), (g), and (h) will be met:  a) Throughout the facility located at 1126 Raymond Bland Road - On or about, and at times prior to July 25, 2013, the employer failed to develop, implement and maintain at its workplace a written hazard communication program, containing at least how relevant information about material safety data sheets, warning labels, and employee training that met the minimum safety requirements for handling chemical such as, but not limited to LP-Gas, exposing employees to chemical burn hazard.                    ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS REQUIRED