OSHA Inspection: APEX PLASTICS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Issued

Dec 19, 2014

Penalty

Initial $4,900 · Current $2,450 Reduced

General-duty citation text

OSH Act of 1970 Section 5(a)(1):  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 fall hazards.      Fiberglass ladders showing visible signs of defects, including but not limited to missing, damaged, and/or worn non-slip material pads (shoes) and/or worn steps which resulted from excessive use were used and available for use by maintenance and other employees.  Employees were exposed to falls of approximately 10 feet onto hard surfaces such as minimally padded concrete floors.        Among  other methods, feasible and acceptable means of hazard abatement include:    1) Inspect ladder before use per general practices for safety and serviceability American National standard ANSI/ASC 2007 Standard for Ladders- Portable Reinforced Plastic-Safety Requirements.  To correct this hazard comply with the manufacturers instruction and ANSI 14.5 for ladders. In section 9.1.1 Selection, Care and Use, it states : For maximum  serviceability and safety, and to eliminate unnecessary damage to equipment, the users shall employ safe practices in the use and care of ladder equipment.    2) Ensure all four rails have non slip material pads per American National Standard ANSI/ASC 2007 Standard for Ladders- Portable Reinforced Plastic-Safety Requirements.  To correct this hazard comply with the manufacturers instruction and ANSI 14.5 for ladders. In section 9.1.3 it states: The major causes of falls from self-supported portable ladders are lack of stability and sliding. The major causes of falls from non-self-supporting portable ladders are lateral sliding at the top support, outward sliding at the lower base support, and human slip.    3) Ensure proper use of ladder per American National Standard ANSI/ASC 2007 Standard for Ladders- Portable Reinforced Plastic-Safety Requirements.  To correct this hazard comply with the manufacturers instruction and ANSI 14.5 for ladders. In section 9.1.5 it states: Proper use of a ladder will contribute significantly to safety. Factors contributing to falls include haste, sudden movement, lack of attention during use, ladder condition (worn or damaged), user's age or physical condition, or both, and the user2s foot-wear. The likelihood of falls is not increased by the user2s excessive weight or size. However, improper climbing posture creating user clumsiness on the ladder may cause falls.

Issued

Dec 19, 2014

Abate by

Feb 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,500 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(b):     Material stored in tiers was not stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse:    (a) On or about June 24, 2014, at worksite 570 S Main St, Brookfield, MO:  Employees were exposed to struck-by and/or crushing hazards, from the metal racks which stored dies and molds, were not secured against sliding and collapse.        Abatement certification is required for this item; use the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET for this purpose.

Issued

Dec 19, 2014

Penalty

Initial $2,100 · Current $1,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i):    Work space was less than 30 inches wide in front of electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less:      (a) On or about June 24, 2014, at worksite 570 S Main St, Brookfield, MO;  In the cold water filter room, pallets were stored in front of the electrical circuit box.        ABATEMENT CERTIFICATION IS NOT REQUIRED FOR THIS ITEM.

Issued

Dec 19, 2014

Abate by

Feb 9, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,800 · Current $1,000 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:      (a) On or about June 24, 2014, at worksite 570 S Main St, Brookfield, MO;  In the production room, employees were exposed to an electrical hazard in that an extension cord was used as a substitute for fixed wiring, to power the hopper production equipment.         Abatement certification is required for this item; use the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET for this purpose.