OSHA Inspection: A & W WATER SERVICES

Issued

Nov 26, 2013

Abate by

Dec 17, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE):     (a) A & W Water Services, Inc. @ WCR 20 and Leased Road, Fort Lupton, CO 80621; On and before November 5, 2013, the employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or likely to be present, which necessitate the use of PPE. The exposing employer did not ensure to a hazard assessment was performed and provided adequate personal protective equipment based on employees accessing the gobbler pit.  Specifically, the employer failed to assess the affects of water temperature on the employees working in the various water retention ponds serviced by A & W Water and provide appropriate personal protective equipment based on that exposure to low temperatures.  The condition exposed employees servicing the equipment in the pond to hypothermia.         Abatement note: The employer shall verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that shall include the following:       (1)        Identifies the workplace evaluated;   (2)        The person certifying that the evaluation has been performed;   (3)        The date(s) that the hazard assessment was performed; and   (4)        Which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.

Issued

Nov 26, 2013

Abate by

Dec 23, 2013

Penalty

Initial $3,000 · Current $2,250 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 employees were exposed to the hazard of drowning.    (a) A & W Water Services, Inc. @ CR20 and Leased Road, Fort Lupton, CO 80621: On and before November 5, 2013, the exposing employer did not ensure adequate protection was provided against water immersion as employees serviced hose assemblies at various open pits throughout northern Colorado.  The water levels in those pits often reached a depth that was above the employees heads.   The condition exposed employees servicing the hoses to the hazard of drowning.    Abatement Note: Among other feasible means of abatement to correct this hazard is to require employees to wear a type I, type II, type II, or type V personal floatation device, approved by the United States Coast Guard".