OSHA Inspection: NATIONAL PARK SERVICE, DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.20(b)(1): The employer did not initiate and maintain such programs as may be necessary to comply with this part.  (a)On or about September 19, 2013, at Death Valley National Park, including but not limited to Maintenance Division staff were exposed to excessive ambient air temperatures, windy conditions and radiant heat. The heat stress program was not effective and was not updated to include recommendations proposed by NIOSH and OSHA. Death Valley National Park failed to identify high risk job activities that required additional training, personal protective equipment, and emergency procedures that must be in place and followed whenever employees are at risk of heat stress.     Note: The elements of an effective safety and health program may include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) Management commitment and leadership 2) Assignment of Responsibility 3) Identification and control of hazards 4) Training and education 5) Recordkeeping and hazard analysis 6) First aid, medical training and assistance 7) Frequent and regular inspections

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe condition(s) and the regulation(s) applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazard(s) or other exposure to illness or injury.  (a) On September 19, 2013, and at times prior, at the West Side Road, Death Valley, Maintenance Division:  Employees were not trained on; the heat stress policy, risk factors, controls associated with working outdoors in hot, windy environments, manner and frequency in which employees are to communicate with supervisors when working remotely, and steps to take when working alone and unexpected situations arise such as a vehicle breakdown, injury, or other mishap.

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.50(e): Proper equipment for prompt transportation of injured person(s) to a physician or hospital or a communication system for contacting necessary ambulance service was not provided.  (a) On September 19, 2013, and at times prior thereto, at the West Side Road, Death Valley, employee(s) working alone in a remote location in severe weather conditions had BK radios with failing batteries and no other battery charging devices or means of communication were provided to contact emergency medical services.

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.8(d): The Agency head did not acquire, maintain, and require the use of approved personal protective equipment, approved safety equipment, and other devices necessary to protect employees:  (a) On September 19, 2013, West Side Road, Death Valley, CA: Management failed to require the use and maintenance of radios for consistent communication with and among supervisors and employees working remotely in extreme conditions and did not install charging devices in all moving equipment used in remote locations.

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 8, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.25(c):  The employer did not conduct more frequent inspections in all workplaces where there is an increased risk of accident, injury, or illness due to the nature of the work performed.  (a) On September 19, 2013, and at times prior, at the West Side Road and other locations in the Death Valley National Park, employees working alone in remote location in the desert were exposed to extreme weather conditions and management did not inspect and/or check to ensure employees were not injured or ill.

Issued

Mar 14, 2014

Abate by

Apr 15, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1960.55(a): The agency did not provide adequate occupational safety and health training for all supervisory employees that includes: supervisory responsibility for providing and maintaining safe and healthful working conditions for employees, the agency occupational safety and health program, section 19 of the Act, Executive Order 12196, this part, occupational safety and health standards applicable to the assigned workplaces, agency procedures for reporting hazards, agency procedures for reporting and investigating allegations of reprisal, and agency procedures for the abatement of hazards, as well as other appropriate rules and regulations.  (a) On September 19, 2013, and at times prior, at the Death Valley National Park, all supervisory employees did not receive formal safety and health training, including heat stress, to be able to identify conditions and protective actions to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for employees working outdoors in extreme weather conditions.