OSHA Inspection: THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE

Issued

May 4, 2015

Abate by

Jun 30, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,675 · Current $3,272 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): The point of operation of machines whose operation exposed an employee to injury, was not guarded:    (a)The Western Sugar Cooperative at 18317 Highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and before February 24th, 2015, the employer did not ensure that the following points of operation were guarded:    1)  The hydraulic power press #54056 in the maintenance shop, was not guarded at its point of operation; and    2)  The Bemis packaging machine for granulated sugar was not guarded at its point of operation, in that, employees were allowed to reach in to pull out bags.    The conditions exposed employees to struck-by hazards and amputation hazards.

Issued

May 4, 2015

Abate by

May 29, 2015

Penalty

Initial $4,675 · Current $3,273 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not using electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed:    (a)The Western Sugar Cooperative at 18317 Highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and before February 24th, 2015, the employer did not ensure that electricians wore appropriate protective clothing and equipment when testing 480 volt circuits, such as: 1) arc-rated long sleeve shirts and pants (or coveralls) having a minimum arc rating of 8;  and 2)  face shields and hoods with a minimum arc rating of 8. The condition exposed employees to arc flash and arc blast hazards.     Abatement note:  One feasible and acceptable abatement method is stated in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70E 2012 Edition, Table 130.7(C)(15) and Table 130.7(C)(16).  These tables categorize activities into risk groups, and describe protective clothing and personal protective equipment associated with each group.  Table 130.7(C)(15) categorizes voltage testing on 480 volt circuits as Hazard/Risk Category 2, and Table 130.7(C)(16) describes appropriate clothing and personal protective equipment for hazard abatement, such as that stated above.