OSHA Inspection: MICHAEL FOODS, INC.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Mar 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,400 · Current $3,960 Reduced

Hazardous substances 00201470186020852260

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).    Employer is failing to assess the hazards of the Vat Room areas of the facility to determine the correct personal protective equipment. A documented hazard assessment for employees was not available upon agency request. Vat Room Operators are exposed to corrosive chemicals including, but not limited to Mandate Plus, Principal, and Oxonia Active.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Mar 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 00201470186020852260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): The employer did not ensure that each affected employee uses appropriate eye or face protection when exposed to eye or face hazards from flying particles, molten metal, liquid chemicals, acids or caustic liquids, chemical gases or vapors, or potentially injurious light radiation.    Employer is failing to ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is worn by employees. Appropriate goggles and/or face shields were not worn by Vat Room Operators in facility tanker bays when exposed to spraying or dripping corrosive cleaning/sanitizing chemicals. Vat Room Operators, working in tanker bays, are exposed to corrosive chemicals including, but not limited to Mandate Plus, Principal, and Oxonia Active.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Jan 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,300 Reduced

Hazardous substances 1900X100

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(3): When the employer decided its employees would not enter permit spaces, the employer did not take effective measures to prevent its employees from entering the permit spaces:    Employer is failing to take effective measures to prevent Vat Room operator employee(s) at facility tanker truck bay locations, from entering the unguarded open hatch of egg product tanks during testing/sampling procedures.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $6,300 Reduced

Hazardous substances 148019002260X100

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(iii)(A): Employer did not select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that had the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame that is appropriate for the permit space hazard(s) identified.    The employer is failing to ensure that the designated service for permit required confined space rescue, Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, was able to provide an adequate response time to multiple Wakefield area facility locations including, but not limited to Big Red Farms, for specific hazards including potential IDLH atmospheres and engulfment. Employee(s) enter permit required confined spaces throughout the facility, such as product vats, blenders, and, silos, and dryer boxes.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 148019002260X100

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(iii)(B): Employer did not select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that was equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue services for facility permit required confined spaces.    The employer is failing to ensure that the designated team for permit required confined space rescue, Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department, was equipped for and proficient in providing the needed rescue services for multiple Michael Foods' Wakefield area facility locations including, but not limited to Big Red Farms. Wakefield Volunteer Fire Department members had not completed permit required confined space rescue training since 2005. The Wakefield VFD also did not have air monitoring equipment. Employee(s) enter permit required confined spaces throughout the facility, such as product vats, blenders, and, silos, and dryer boxes.

Issued

Dec 2, 2014

Abate by

Mar 10, 2015

Penalty

Initial $5,500 · Current $4,950 Reduced

Hazardous substances 00201470190020852260

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(3)(ii): Employee training did not include the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area.    The employer is failing to ensure that Vat Room Operator employee(s) had received adequate/periodic training on the health hazards of nitrogen and corrosive cleaners and sanitizers, including, but not limited to Mandate Plus, Prinicipal, and Oxonia Active . Employee(s), who were unfamiliar with its atmospheric hazards, were exposed to nitrogen during the filling of tanker trucks with egg product in facility tanker bays. Employee(s) sprayed corrosive cleaners and sanitizers in the Vat Room locations of the facility.