OSHA Inspection: GENERAL SHALE INC.

Issued

May 6, 2015

Abate by

Jun 2, 2015

Penalty

Initial $3,060 · Current $1,454 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(2): Ladderway floor opening(s) or platform(s) were not guarded by a standard railing with standard toeboard(s) on all exposed sides (except at the entrance to opening) with passage through the railing either provided with a swinging gate or so offset that a person could walk directly into the opening:    (a)  On or about February 12, 2015, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure the employees were protected from falls of 9 feet and 8 inches from the south entrance to the platform from which clean-out operations of the block machine mixer are performed by ensuring that the entry way was protected by a swinging gate with a midrail or other mechanism.     Abatement Note: Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

May 6, 2015

Abate by

Jun 2, 2015

Penalty

Initial $2,295 · Current $2,295

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(b): Fixed stairs were not provided for access from one structure level to another where operations necessitated regular travel between levels, and for access to operating platforms at any equipment which requires attention routinely during operations:    (a)  On or about February 12, 2015, the employer did not provide safe means of access to the operator controls of the vibrator machine and other equipment that were placed between the green line and dry line conveyors.  An employee climbed over the operating green line to access the controls.      Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

May 6, 2015

Abate by

Jul 2, 2015

Penalty

Initial $6,300 · Current $6,300

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:    (a)  On or about February 12, 2015, and at times prior, the employer did not protect employees from caught-in and crushing hazards associated with the elevator/auto forks that move horizontally while picking up and placing pallets on the green and dry conveyor lines.  The structure of the elevator/auto forks are positioned such that they can pinch employees between the moving parts and the fixed legs of the conveyors.  An employee was injured when he stepped in this area at the dry line and the elevator/auto fork cycled crushing his leg.      Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

May 6, 2015

Penalty

Initial $1,951 · Current $1,951

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv):  Electrical equipment had damaged parts that could 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:      (a)  On or about February 12, 2015, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure employees were protected from shock, burn, and fire hazards from the junction box for the Energy Saver AC Motor at the block machine operator station which had its cover disconnected exposing live conductors inside.     Abatement Note:  Abatement certification is required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").

Issued

May 6, 2015

Abate by

Jun 2, 2015

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(B): The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy:  (a)  On or about February 12, 2015, and at times prior, the employer did not ensure all necessary steps to control the hazardous energy of the block machine were documented in the "Lock Out Procedure- Off Bearer/loader/Un-Loader/Oiler/Cleaner/Elevator," specifically isolating the hydraulic pump from the hydraulic line by closing the valve.  Abatement Note:  Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item (see enclosed "Certification of Corrective Action Worksheet").