OSHA Inspection: GEORGIA FARM SERVICES, LLC

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $800 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.    a). Throughout Yard Area- On or about and times prior to 19 September 2013, employees were allowed to operate the #4 Ottawa Commando 30 yard tractor without a restraint device (i.e. seat belt), thus exposing employees to ejection and crush-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): The floor of every workroom shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, employees were working off wooden pallets that lined the vehicle service pit floor due to water accumulation. The pallets had gaps between them and were saturated with water and petroleum products, thus exposing employees to slip, trip, and fall hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(5): Every pit and trapdoor floor opening, infrequently used, shall be guarded by a floor opening cover of standard strength and construction. While the cover is not in place, the pit or trap opening shall be constantly attended by someone or shall be protected on all exposed sides by removable standard railings.     a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the vehicle service pit opening was not guarded when not in use, thus exposing employees to a fall hazard of approximately 4.4 feet onto concrete flooring.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1): Every flight of stairs having four or more risers shall be equipped with standard stair railings or standard handrails as specified in paragraphs (d)(1)(i) through (v) of this section.    a). Front Dock- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the east stairway was not equipped with standard railing, thus exposing employees to a trip and fall hazard.      b). Front Dock - On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the west stairway was not equipped with standard railing, thus exposing employees to a trip and fall hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1)(i): On stairways less than 44 inches wide having both sides enclosed, at least one handrail, preferably on the right side descending.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the stairway leading into the vehicle service pit was not equipped with at least one handrail, thus exposing employees to a trip and fall hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(2): Each exit must be clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit."    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the pedestrian exit was not marked with an exit sign, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.    b). Scale House- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the pedestrian exits were not marked with an exit sign, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): If the workplace contains permit spaces, the employer shall 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. NOTE: A sign reading DANGER -- PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.    a). Throughout the workplace- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the employer did not post danger signs or use other effective means to inform employees about permit spaces such as peanut dump pits, thus exposing employees to atmospheric and mechanical hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): If the employer decides that its employees will enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space program that complies with this section. The written program shall be available for inspection by employees and their authorized representatives.  a). Throughout the workplace- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit-required confined space program for employees entering permit spaces such as peanut dump pits, thus exposing employees to atmospheric and mechanical hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(5)(i): Test conditions in the permit space to determine if acceptable entry conditions exist before entry is authorized to begin, except that, if isolation of the space is infeasible because the space is large or is part of a continuous system (such as a sewer), pre-entry testing shall be performed to the extent feasible before entry is authorized and, if entry is authorized, entry conditions shall be continuously monitored in the areas where authorized entrants are working.   a). Throughout the workplace- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the employer did not conduct atmospheric monitoring and isolation of all energy sources through lockout/tagout prior to employees entering permit spaces such as peanut dump pits, thus exposing employees to atmospheric and mechanical hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9): Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces, for providing necessary emergency services to rescued employees, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue.  a). Throughout the workplace- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the employer did not develop and implement procedures for rescuing entrants working in permit spaces such as peanut dump pits in the event of an emergency, thus exposing employees to atmospheric and mechanical hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1): The employer shall provide training so that all employees whose work is regulated by this section acquire the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under this section.  a). Throughout the workplace- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, the employer did not provide adequate training to employees who enter permit-required confined spaces such as peanut dump pits, thus exposing employees to atmospheric and mechanical hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): Energy control program. The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, 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 workplace- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the employer did not have an established energy control program for employees conducting maintenance on peanut processing machines to include, but not limited to bucket elevators and shakers, thus exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,620 · Current $600 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1): The employer shall provide portable fire extinguishers and shall mount, locate and identify them so that they are readily accessible to employees without subjecting the employees to possible injury.     a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there were three portable fire extinguishers that were not mounted in which two were stationed on the floor underneath a wooden table and the other one stationed on the floor inside the electrical/storage room, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(4): The employer shall assure that portable fire extinguishers are maintained in a fully charged and operable condition and kept in their designated places at all times except during use.      a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there were three portable fire extinguishers that were not fully charged. Two extinguishers were stationed on the floor underneath a wooden table and the other was stationed on the floor in the electrical/storage room, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(e)(1): The employer shall be responsible for the inspection, maintenance and testing of all portable fire extinguishers in the workplace.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there were three portable fire extinguishers that were not inspected. Two extinguishers were stationed on the floor underneath a wooden table and the other was stationed on the floor in the electrical/storage room, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(g)(1): Where the employer has provided portable fire extinguishers for employee use in the workplace, the employer shall also provide an educational program to familiarize employees with the general principles of fire extinguisher use and the hazards involved with incipient stage fire fighting.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the employer did not provide training to employees on the use of fire extinguishers and the hazards associated with fighting an incipient fire, thus exposing employees to life safety hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,390 · Current $800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.177(d)(3)(iii): Restraining devices and barriers shall be visually inspected prior to each day's use and after any separation of the rim wheel components or sudden release of contained air. Any restraining device or barrier exhibiting damage such as the following defects referenced in this section shall be immediately removed from service.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was a 4-bar tire inflation cage that was not taken out of service which had damage that included warped bars and corrosion, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.177(d)(5): Current charts or rim manuals containing instructions for the type of wheels being serviced shall be available in the service area.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the maintenance shop did not contain any charts or rim manuals of the wheels that were being serviced, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.177(f): Safe operating procedure - multi-piece rim wheels. The employer shall establish a safe operating procedure for servicing multi-piece rim wheels and shall assure that employees are instructed in and follow that procedure. The procedure shall include at least the following elements of this section.   a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the employer did not establish safe operating procedures to train employees on when servicing multi-piece rim wheels, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.177(g): Safe operating procedure-single piece rim wheels. The employer shall establish a safe operating procedure for servicing single piece rim wheels and shall assure that employees are instructed in and follow that procedure. The procedure shall include at least the following elements listed in this section.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the employer did not establish safe operating procedures to train employees on when servicing single piece rim wheels, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each operator had successfully completed the training required by paragraph (l), except as permitted by paragraph (l)(5), prior to permitting an employee to operate a powered industrial truck.     a). Maintenance Shop- On or about 25 September 2013 and times prior to, the employer did not ensure employees operating a Caterpillar forklift (model EC25K) had completed training required by this section, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.        b). Maintenance Shop- On or about 25 September 2013 and times prior to, the employer did not ensure employees operating a Mitsubishi forklift (model FGC15) had completed training required by this section, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.        c). Maintenance Shop/Throughout Yard Area- On or about 25 September 2013 and times prior to, the employer did not ensure employees operating a Hyster forklift (model 100XM) had completed training required by this section, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.        d). Maintenance Shop/Throughout Yard Area- On or about 25 September 2013 and times prior to, the employer did not ensure employees operating a JCB telescopic handler (model 506B) had completed training required by this section, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(m)(5)(i): When a powered industrial truck is left unattended, load engaging means shall be fully lowered, controls shall be neutralized, power shall be shut off, and brakes set. Wheels shall be blocked if the truck is parked on an incline.   a). Cleaner Dump Pit- On or about and times prior to 24 September 2013, a JCB Telescopic Handler (model 506B) was left unattended with the boom elevated and the carriage loaded with a wooden pallet suspended next to the 2nd tier shaker platform, thus exposing employees to stuck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(p)(1): If at any time a powered industrial truck is found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe, the truck shall be taken out of service until it has been restored to safe operating condition.   a). Throughout Yard Area- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, employees were allowed to operate the #4 Ottawa Commando 30 yard tractor with a cracked windshield and a non-functional reverse alarm, thus exposing employees to struck-by and crush-hazards.      b). Throughout Yard Area- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, employees were allowed to operate the #5 Ottawa Commando 30 yard tractor with a non-functional reverse alarm, thus exposing employees to struck-by and crush-hazards.      c). Throughout Yard Area- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, employees were allowed to operate the #8 Ottawa Commando 50 yard tractor with a non-functional reverse alarm, thus exposing employees to struck-by and crush-hazards.      d). Throughout Yard Area- On or about and times prior to 18 September 2013, employees were allowed to operate the #3 Ottawa yard tractor with a non-functional reverse alarm, thus exposing employees to struck-by and crush-hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rests. On offhand grinding machines, work rests shall be used to support the work. They shall be of rigid construction and designed to be adjustable to compensate for wheel wear. Work rests shall be kept adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one-eighth inch to prevent the work from being jammed between the wheel and the rest, which may cause wheel breakage. The work rest shall be securely clamped after each adjustment. The adjustment shall not be made with the wheel in motion.      a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the left and right work rests on the bench grinder were not adjusted to at least one-eighth of an inch of the abrasive wheels, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): Exposure adjustment. Safety guards of the types described in Subparagraphs (3) and (4) of this paragraph, where the operator stands in front of the opening, shall be constructed so that the peripheral protecting member can be adjusted to the constantly decreasing diameter of the wheel. The maximum angular exposure above the horizontal plane of the wheel spindle as specified in paragraphs (b)(3) and (4) of this section shall never be exceeded, and the distance between the wheel periphery and the adjustable tongue or the end of the peripheral member at the top shall never exceed one-fourth inch. (See Figures O-18, O-19, O-20, O-21, O-22, and O-23.)  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, the left and right tongue guards on the bench grinder were not adjusted to at least one-fourth of an inch of the abrasive wheels, thus exposing employees to struck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning. Compressed air shall not be used for cleaning purposes except where reduced to less than 30 p.s.i. and then only with effective chip guarding and personal protective equipment.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, employees used compressed air to dry wet parts and to clean off parts such as bearings with an air wand that did not reduce the air pressure to less than 30 psi under static conditions, thus exposing employees to stuck-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.244(a)(1)(i): The operator shall make sure that the jack used has a rating sufficient to lift and sustain the load.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, employees were using two red colored portable jacks without knowing the rated load capacity, thus exposing employees to crush-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.244(a)(1)(ii): The rated load shall be legibly and permanently marked in a prominent location on the jack by casting, stamping, or other suitable means.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there were two red colored portable jacks that were not marked with their rated loads, thus exposing employees to crush-by hazards.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,850 · Current $400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by this standard, live parts of electric equipment operating at 50 volts or more shall be guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the following means listed in this section.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was exposed live wiring running from the larger 480 volt electrical box inside the electrical/storage room that was not properly guarded, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): All pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings shall be provided with covers identified for the purpose. If metal covers are used, they shall be grounded. In completed installations, each outlet box shall have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy. Covers of outlet boxes having holes through which flexible cord pendants pass shall be provided with bushings designed for the purpose or shall have smooth, well-rounded surfaces on which the cords may bear.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was a breaker box located inside the electrical/storage room that did not have a cover, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.     b). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was a reset box for the compressor located outside the electrical/storage room that did not have a cover, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings shall be effectively closed.     a). Peanut Dump Pit # 2- On or about and times prior to 19 September 2013, there was one unused opening on the pits electrical control station, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.     b). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was one unused opening in an electrical junction box inside the electrical/storage room, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.     c). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, there was one unused opening on the compressor reset box located outside the electrical/storage room, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,080 · Current $100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii): Flexible cords may be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard-service cord and junior hard-service cord No. 14 and larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.    a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, employees were using an improperly spliced flexible electrical extension cord that was connected to a Hitachi drill (model D13VG), thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.334(a)(3)(ii): Attachment plugs and receptacles may not be connected or altered in a manner which would prevent proper continuity of the equipment grounding conductor at the point where plugs are attached to receptacles. Additionally, these devices may not be altered to allow the grounding pole of a plug to be inserted into slots intended for connection to the current-carrying conductors.  a). Maintenance Shop- On or about and times prior to 25 September 2013, employees were using a flexible electrical extension cord connected to a Hitachi Drill (model D13VG) that was missing its grounding pin, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.

Issued

Mar 17, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,160 · Current $1,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.     a). Maintenance Shop- On or about 25 September 2013, employees were using a flexible electrical extension cord connected to a Hitachi drill (model D13VG) that had the outer jacket pulled back from the male and female plug ends in which bare wiring was visible, thus exposing employees to an electrical hazard.     Georgia Farm Services was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 314094350, citation number 1, item number 3a and was affirmed as a final order on 20 September 2012, with respect to a workplace located at 132 Fifth Street, Leesburg, GA 31763.