OSHA Inspection: FARMERS ELEVATOR INC

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Aug 1, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(b): Fixed stairs were not provided for access from one structure level to another where operations necessitate regular travel between levels, and for access to operating platforms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations.  (It is not the intent of this section to preclude the use of fixed ladders for access to elevated tanks, towers, and similar structures, overhead traveling cranes, etc., where the use of fixed ladders is common practice.)     This violation occurred on or about October 29, 2013 and at times prior thereto, employee required to access the top of bin #13 were required to walk up the side of a sloped roof using only a rope to grab onto, exposing employees to the hazards of falls.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(2): The employer did not verify that the required workplace hazard assessment has been performed through a written certification that identifies the workplace evaluated; the person certifying that the evaluation has been performed; the date(s) of the hazard assessment; and, which identifies the document as a certification of hazard assessment.    This violation occurred on or about October 29, 2013, the employer did not document the  personal protective equipment (PPE) required when performing tasks such as, but not limited to, grain fumigation, bin entry and grain handling.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(2): Employees assigned special tasks, such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances, shall be provided training to perform these tasks safely.     This violation occurred on or about October 29, 2013, and at times prior thereto, new employees were not provided adequate training to safely enter bins exposing employees to the hazards of engulfment.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(i): The employer did not issue a permit for entering bins, silos, or tanks unless the employer or the employer's representative (who would otherwise authorize the permit) is present during the entire operation.         This violation occurred on or about October 29, 2013, and at times prior thereto, a permit was not issued prior to entry for employees required to enter the bins that pose hazards such as, but not limited to, engulfment.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $2,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iii): The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank was not tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents when the employer has reason to believe they may be present.     At the facility, after fumigation of bins, the employer does not test for hazardous atmosphere prior to employees entering or working around fumigated bins, exposing employees to inhalation hazards.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $14,000 · Current $14,000

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2): Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employer did not equip the employee with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain's chair that meets the requirements of subpart D of this part exposing employees to the hazards of engulfment.    On or about October 29, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees required to enter the bins and stand on grain which poses an engulfment hazard were not provided with a safety harness with lifeline exposing employees to the hazards of engulfment.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $14,000 · Current $2,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(3): An observer, equipped to provide assistance, was not stationed outside the bin, silo, or tank being entered by an employee.    On or about October 29, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees required to enter the bins and stand on grain that poses an engulfment hazard were not provided with a constant observer exposing employees to the hazards of engulfment.

Issued

Apr 21, 2014

Abate by

Jun 16, 2014

Penalty

Initial $14,000 · Current $2,800 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer did not provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered.    On or about October 29, 2013, and at times prior thereto, employees required to enter the bins and stand on grain that poses an engulfment hazard were not provided rescue equipment exposing employees to the hazards of engulfment.