OSHA Inspection: MIDWEST IRON & METAL COMPANY

Issued

Mar 6, 2015

Abate by

Mar 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $7,000 · Current $4,900 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 was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to struck-by and crushing hazards from the articulated conveyor (loading stack):  On or about October 30, 2014, at the facility located at 3000 E. Ave G, Hutchinson Kansas a grounds man/employee was exposed to struck-by and crushing hazards when an articulated conveyor (moving stack) located in the northeast corner of the property was moved without properly clearing the area.  The view of the area below the conveyor operator control station was obstructed and no procedure was implemented to insure the area below the conveyor was clear prior to conveyor movement.    AMONG OTHER METHODS, ONE FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE METHOD TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD IS: Ensure no employees are located in the articulated conveyor (moving stack) area of movement before operation commences.  Remove the conveyor controls from the control tower; limit operation to the controls located at the base of the conveyor.  Ensure full view of the operation / movement area by the conveyor operator is maintained.