OSHA Inspection: MEZGER ENTERPRISES, LTD

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $5,400 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(8): Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk were not guarded:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that floor holes around saws in the Line Saw Department were covered, exposing employees to trip hazards.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $1,350 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(d)(1)(iii): Flight(s) of stairs with 4 or more risers, less than 44 inches wide and having both sides open were not equipped with one standard stair railing on each side:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer did not ensure that handrails were installed on both sets of stairs leading to the catwalk for the Laser Saw, exposing employees to fall hazards up to approximately 3 feet into the Laser saw's conveyor belt.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the employer did not ensure that the exit near the laser saw catwalk was kept free and unobstructed, exposing employee to tripping and falling in the event of an emergency.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Feb 28, 2015

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    On or about March 20, 2014, employees were exposed to the hazards associated with unexpected start-up of machines in that specific, written Lockout/Tagout procedures were not developed and utilized for equipment/machines such as but not limited to the following:     a) In the skid way area, the Saw System Slider Bed Saw, Model # 541B, Serial # 96987.     b) In the skid way area, the Saw Systems Stone Surfacer.    c) In the laser saw area, the Saw Systems Laser Saw, Serial # TB-102199.    d) In the skid way area, the company-built stone chopper, Model # on electric motor: P32G4902R.    e) In the planer area, Planers #1, 2, 3, Bedford Foundry & Machine Co, Inc. Model # 346.    f) In the line saw area, the Saw Systems Line Saw.    g) In the line saw area, the company-built Line Saw Squaring Table.    h) In the belt saw area, the Saw Systems Belt Saw, Model # NBS, Serial # 94797.    I) In the belt saw area, the Saw Systems Belt Saw, Model # BS, Serial # 05M160.    J) In the infinity saw area, the Park Industries, Inc. Model # Infinity.     k) In the jaguar saw area, the Park Industries, Inc. Model Jaguar II.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Feb 28, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not provide Lockout/Tagout training to all employees who serviced and/or maintained the machines, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by/caught in the moving machine parts.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(j)(3): Complete inspections of the crane was not being performed at intervals as generally defined in paragraph (j)(1)(ii)(b) of this section:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto, annual inspections were not conducted for five overhead bridge cranes.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.179(n)(4)(i): The upper limit switch of each hoist was not tried out under no load, at the beginning of each operator's shift:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto, the upper limit switch of a hoist on the Yale 10 Ton Bridge Crane located next to the belt saw department was not tried out under no load at the beginning of each operator's shift.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.306(b)(3): A limit switch or other device was not provided to prevent the load block from passing the safe upper limit of travel of the hoisting mechanism:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto, no determination was made that the upper limit switch of a hoist on the Yale 10 Ton Bridge Crane located next to the belt saw department was functioning properly.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(i)(1): Synthetic web sling(s) were not marked or coded to show rated capacities for each type of hitch and type of synthetic web material:    On or about May 07, 2014, and in times prior thereto, the employer did not ensure that the synthetic web sling(s) on the Yale 10 Ton crane were marked or coded to show their rated capacities, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by/crushed by falling loads in the event the sling should break.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.184(i)(9)(iv): Synthetic web sling(s) with broken or worn stitches were not immediately removed from service:    On or about May 07, 2014, and in times prior thereto, the employer did not ensure that the synthetic web sling(s) were replaced after abnormal wear was found, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by/crushed by falling loads in the event the sling should fail.  Use of photographs of signage showing rated load capacities of the sling(s) posted in the area(s) where slings are used is an acceptable abatement for Item 7(b).

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 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:    On or about March 20, 2014, and at times prior thereto and there after, the employer did not provide machine guards to the following equipment, exposing the employees to the hazards created by ingoing nip points, rotating parts and flying chips.    a) In the Slider Bed Saw Department, the slider bed saw blade was missing the guard cover; the blade was being shielded by foam insulating sheathing instead of substantial, attached guards.     b) In the Surfacer Department, the rotating surfacer machine had side guard panels missing and foam insulation in their place instead of substantial, attached guards.    c) In the Band Saw Department, the band saw did not have guards installed over the non-working portion of the blade.    d) In the Maintenance Shop, the Grizzly belt sander was missing the guard over the top of the sanding belt.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2)(i): All exposed part(s) of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform were not protected by stationary casing(s) enclosing shafting completely or by trough(s) enclosing sides and top or sides and bottom of shafting.    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the horizontal shafting on the Line Saw was protected by a stationary casing, exposing employee to the hazard of being caught in the rotating shaft.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $0 Reduced

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):    On or about March 20, 2014, at the work site, the employer did not ensure that belts and pulleys were guarded in 3 instances in the facility, exposing employees to the hazards of being caught in belt/pulley pinch points.    a) Planer #1 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.     b) Planer #2 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.     c) Planer #3 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 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):      On or about March 20, 2014, at the work site, the employer did not ensure that belts and pulleys were guarded,  exposing employees to the hazards of being caught in belt/pulley pinch points.    a) Planer #1 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.     b) Planer #2 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.     c) Planer #3 located in the planer department, guards were missing on the main power drive belt and pulley on the back of the planer and the horizontal control motor on the front of the planer.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(1)(i): Gears were not guarded by a complete enclosure.     On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the cover for the gear box on the slider bed conveyor belt was present, exposing employees to rotating gears.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,700 · Current $0 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.      On or about March 20, 2014, air nozzles were routinely used for cleaning at compressed air pressures up to 65 psig, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by chips and/ or high pressure air.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1): Abrasive wheel(s) were used on portable grinder(s) which were not provided with safety guard(s) meeting the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.243(c)(1) through (c)(4).    On or about March 14, 2014, and at times prior thereto and thereafter, the employer did not ensure that the abrasive wheel installed on the portable DeWalt Angle Grinder was provided with a safety guard, exposing employees to the hazards of being struck by flying debris in the event of wheel breakage.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv): There were damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action or overheating.      On or about March 20, 2014, the flexible metal conduit for the 240 Volt power cables on the Saw Systems Laser Saw was broken and had tape over the damaged area, exposing employees to the hazard of electrical shock.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(i): Openings through which conductors entered cutout boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the power supply conductor holes on the power control box for the horizontal controls on Planer #3 were effectively closed, exposing employees operating the machine to the hazard of electrical shock.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 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:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the unused openings in electrical boxes were effectively closed, exposing employees to the hazards of electrical shock.    a) In the Skid Way area on the west wall the 110 Volt receptacle outlet box was missing a knock out on the top of the box.     b) In the Slider Bed Saw department the 480 Volt junction box supplying power to the slider bed saw was missing a knock out on the side of the box.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $3,600 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Pull boxes, junction boxes, and fittings were not provided with covers approved for the purpose:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that the 110 Volt junction box located in the Skid Way Department had a cover installed, exposing employees to the hazard of electrical shock.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,500 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that flexible cords were not used instead of fixed wiring in two instances, exposing employees to the hazard of electrical shock.    a) In the Planer Department on planer #2 an orange extension cord was used as permanent wiring to supply power to a 220 Volt power control box.     b) In the Planer Department on planer #3 an orange extension cord was used as permanent wiring to supply power to the 220 Volt power control box for the motor on the horizontal blade control.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $2,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii): Flexible cords were not used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap:    On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that flexible cords in the facility were used in continuous lengths without splices in 3 instances, exposing employees to the hazard of electrical shock:    a) In the Skid Way Department the 120 Volt Halogen job built floor lamp had wires that were spliced together.    b) In the Slider Bed Saw Department the 120 Volt Halogen job built floor lamp had wires that were spliced together.    c) In the Planer Department on planer #1 the wires for the 220 Volt power control box for the horizontal blade control were spliced together.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 15, 2014

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints and/or terminal screws:  On or about March 20, 2014, the employer did not ensure that flexible cords were connected to devices and fitting so that strain relief was provided.  a) In the Surfacer Department an orange 25 foot extension cord used to supply power to various tools had the outer sheathing pulled away from the plug.  b) In the Skid Way Department a 120 volt halogen lamp was plugged into a receptacle box on the west wall, the cord's outer sheathing was pulled away from the plug.   c) In the Planer Department on planer #1, the 220 volt power junction box for the horizontal blade motor had its flexible power cord pulled out the box.

Issued

Sep 11, 2014

Abate by

Sep 21, 2014

Penalty

Initial $63,000 · Current $24,650 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:    On or about March 14, 2014, and at times prior thereto and thereafter, employees were adjusting pieces of limestone using a crowbar while standing next to exposed and running saw blades in two instances, exposing employees to the hazard of being stuck by flying debris and contact with the saw blades: