OSHA Inspection: WEST END MILLING COMPANY

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 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 hazards:    (a) Plant Facility, on or about September 9, 2015, for employee not utilizing a restraint device when operating Komatsu forklift.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each powered industrial truck operator is competent to operate a powered industrial truck safely, as demonstrated by the successful completion of the training and evaluation specified in this paragraph (l):  (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, employees are operating the Komatsu & Hyster forklift without having successfully completed forklift instruction, evaluation, and training.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 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) Storage Structures, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, fixed exterior ladders were not provided with swing gates at access and transfer level points.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(a)(8): Every floor hole into which persons can accidentally walk were not guarded:  (a) Elevated Commodity Bay, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, floor holes exceeding 12 inches wide were not guarded, exposing employees to slip trip hazard.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(1): Open-sided floors and/or platforms four feet or more above adjacent floor or ground level were not guarded with standard railings (or equivalent) and toeboards: fascinating game:   (a) Elevated Commodity Bay, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, walkways were not guarded with standard railings for employees to conduct inventories over elevated areas, exposing employees to a 12 foot fall hazard.  (b) Hammer Mill Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, platform that employees utilize to access holding bin was not enclosed a standard railings.  (c) Mezzanine Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, mezzanine storage area where employees access was not enclosed a standard railings.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.24(h): Standard railings were not provided on the open sides of all exposed stairways and stair platforms:    (a) Plant Facility, loading dock between warehouse and feed mill, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, the 6-step fixed stairs were not equipped with standard railings on all exposed sides.    (b) Feed Mill Area, stairway to commodity bay, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, the 4-step fixed stairs were not equipped with standard railings.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-01-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(h)(6)(i)(a): Each storage container used exclusively in service station operation shall comply with the following table which specifies minimum distances to a building and groups of buildings shall not be less than 10 feet for above ground storage tanks when building structure is not of wood frame construction.    (a) South Warehouse Dock, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 125 gallon propane tank used refueling LP forklifts was stored adjacent to exterior warehouse wall.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.110(h)(14): LP gas service station(s) were not provided with at least one approved portable fire extinguisher having at least an 8-B, C rating:  (a) South Warehouse Dock, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 125 gallon propane tank used refueling LP forklifts did not contain a fire extinguisher in the dispensing area.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:     (a)  Yard Area, adjacent to the storage bins, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, fall protection was not provided for employees who open the hatches on the top of grain trucks and are exposed to a 13 foot fall hazard.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2400.00 · Current $550.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.133(a)(1): Protective eye equipment was not required where there was a reasonable probability of injury that could be prevented by such equipment:    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, safety glasses were not utilized when employees were exposed to high dust concentrations when operating skid steer loader/242D Cat, unloading trucks, utilizing compressed air, and when bagging feed.     (b) Propane Dispensing Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, safety glasses and a face shield were not utilized when fueling propane cylinders for forklifts.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.138(a): The employer did not select and require employees to use appropriate hand protection when employees hands were exposed to hazardous condition(s)  (a) Propane Filling Station, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, hand protection was not provided or required when dispensing and fueling propane for powered industrial trucks, exposing employees to chemical burn hazards.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(1): The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces were permit-required confined spaces:    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, the workplace was not evaluated to identify elevator pits, as a permit required confined space, in which employees can enter.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(2): The employer did not inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of and the danger posed by the permit spaces:  A sign reading DANGER-PERMIT-REQUIRED CONFINED SPACE, DO NOT ENTER or using other similar language would satisfy the requirement for a sign.  (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, the back elevator pit entry hatch was not placarded as a permit required confined space.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4): When the employer decided that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space entry program that complied with 29 CFR 1910.146:  (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, a written by space entry program was not developed for permit required confined spaces such as but not limited to: the back bucket elevator pit that was periodically entered to clear clogs.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): The employer did not establish a program consisting of an energy control procedure, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performed any servicing or maintenance on a machine or equipment where the unexpected energizing, startup or release of stored energy could occur and cause injury, the machine or equipment shall be isolated from the energy source and rendered inoperative:     (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, for employees engaged in performing minor maintenance work including changing belts and troubleshooting equipment did not utilize energy control procedures.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(i): Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware were not provided by the employer for isolating, securing, or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources:  (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, lockout devices were not provided for employees engaged in maintenance and troubleshooting activities.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): Machine guarding was not provided to protect operator(s) and other employees from hazard(s) created by:    (a) Middle Pit Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, when unloading cottonseed, the pit grate was removed, exposing employees to amputation hazards from the operating auger when employee jumped into the back of the truck to sweep it out and during cleanup operations around the pit.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(k): Receiving pit feed openings in the grain handling facility, such as truck or railcar receiving pits, were not covered by grates which had a maximum opening width of 2 2-Jan inches:   (a) Middle Pit Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, when unloading cottonseed, the pit grate was removed, exposing employees to amputation hazards from the operating auger during cleanup operations around the pit.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(2): All exposed parts of horizontal shafting seven (7) feet or less from floor or working platform, excepting runways used exclusively for oiling, or running adjustments, were not protected by a stationary casing enclosing shafing completely:    (a) Hammer Mill Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, horizontal power shaft for hammer mill was not enclosed, exposing employees to amputation hazards.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.242(b): Compressed air used for cleaning purposes was not reduced to less than 30 p.s.i.:    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to January 9, 2015, compressed air used for cleaning work surfaces was measured at greater than 100 psi.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(d): The employer did not develop and implement an emergency action plan meeting the requirements contained in 1910.38(a):    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, an emergency action plan had not been developed suitable for evacuation of grain handling facilities.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1)(i): Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work in the grain handling facility were not trained in the general safety precautions, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations:    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to, September 9, 2015, employees were not trained in general safety precautions associated with combustible dust, including the identification of possible ignition sources and the means to reduce dust accumulations.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(1): The employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program that established the frequency and the method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposes.    (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, a housekeeping program had not been developed to address excessive accumulations of combustible dust levels in areas such as but not limited to the commodity Bay and the hammer mill area where the dust accumulation levels exceeded 1/8 inch (levels were estimated 1/2 inch to 2 inches depth).

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(1): Each disconnecting means required by Subpart S of Part 1910 for motors and appliances was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:     (a) Hammer Mill Area, Middle Pit Area, Back Elevator Area, and MCC Room, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, disconnects, and panel boxes were not identified as to the power source or equipment affected.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(2): Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, was not legibly marked to indicate its purpose, nor located and arranged so the purpose was evident:  (a) Hammer Mill Area, Middle Pit Area, Back Elevator Area, and MCC Room, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, panel boxes circuit breakers were not identified as to the power source or equipment affected.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(f)(4): Disconnecting means were not capable of accepting a lock in the open position.     (a) Plant Facility, on or about, and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, mechanisms or means were not maintained for electrical control panels to be locked in the open position.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4900.00 · Current $1100.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i): Except as elsewhere required or permitted by Subpart S of Part 1910, live parts of electric equipment operating  at 50 volts or more were not guarded against accidental contact by use of approved cabinets or other forms of approved enclosures or by any of the means identified in paragraphs (A), (B), (C), and (D) of 29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(i):    (a) MCC Room, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, electrical cabinets of 220 V were accessed by numerous unqualified individuals for troubleshooting issues.    (b) Throughout Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, motor control boxes were missing covers.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(2)(iii): Entrances to rooms and other guarded locations containing exposed live parts were not marked with conspicuous warning signs forbidding unqualified persons to enter:  (a)  MCC Room, on or about and at times preceding September 9, 2015, entrance door to MCC room was not placarded as to the dangers contained within.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1600.00 · Current $400.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    (a) Hammer Mill Room, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 5 unused portions of cabinets in boxes including knockouts and missing covers were identified.    (b) Middle Pit Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 4 unused portions of cabinets in boxes including knockouts and missing covers were identified     (c) MCC room, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 4 unused portions of Cabinets in boxes including knockouts and missing covers were identified.    (d)Back Elevator Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 3 unused portion of cabinets in boxes including knockouts and missing covers were identified.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $1200.00 · Current $200.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(c)(4): Faceplates for flush-mounted snap switches. Snap switches mounted in boxes did not have faceplates installed so as to completely cover the opening and seat against the finished surface:    a)  In the Hammer Mill room, 110 Volt snap switch, for the overhead light, was not covered, exposing employees to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-01-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(a)(2): Employee(s) were exposed to an airborne concentration of particulates not otherwise regulated (PNOR) listed in Table Z-1 in excess of the 8 hour Time Weighted Average concentration of 15 mg/M3:    (a)  In the lower commodity/mixing room, on or about September 9, 2015, an employee who was operating the skid steer/cat transporting feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 46.5 mg/m3, which is approximately 3 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 455 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 25 minutes not sampled.    (b)  In the truck unloading areas, on or about September 9, 2015, an employee who was shoveling feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 18.4 mg/m3, which is approximately 1.2 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 465 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 15 minutes not sampled.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-01-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1000(e): Feasible administrative or engineering controls were not determined and implemented to achieve compliance with the limits prescribed in 29 CFR 1910.1000(a) through (d):  (a)  In the lower commodity/mixing room, on or about September 9, 2015, an employee who was operating the skid steer/cat transporting feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 46.5 mg/m3, which is approximately 3 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 455 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 25 minutes not sampled.  (b)  In the truck unloading areas, on or about September 9, 2015, an employee who was shoveling feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 18.4 mg/m3, which is approximately 1.2 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 465 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 15 minutes not sampled.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2018-01-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(a)(2): The employer did not establish and maintain a respiratory protection program which included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.134(c):  (a) In the lower commodity/mixing room, on or about September 9, 2015, respirators were not required an employee who was operating the skid steer/cat transporting feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 46.5 mg/m3, which is approximately 3 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 455 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 25 minutes not sampled.   (b)  In the truck unloading areas, on or about September 9, 2015, respirators were not required an employee who was shoveling feed products was exposed to particulates (total dust) at an 8 hour Time-Weighted Average level of 18.4 mg/m3, which is approximately 1.2 times the Permissible Exposure Limit for total dust of 15 mg/m3.  The exposure level is derived from a sample collected over a 465 minute sampling period; the calculations include a zero value for the 15 minutes not sampled.  A minimally acceptable respiratory protection program shall include all of the following requirements:       1.  Written standard operating procedures governing the selection and use of the       respirators.       2.  Only approved respirators shall be used.  Respirators shall be selected on the basis       of hazards to which the worker is exposed.       3.  Respirators must be provided free of charge where respirators are needed to protect       the health of the employees.       4.  Employers must provide (free of charge) a medical evaluation to determine each       employee's fitness to wear a respirator before initial use.       5.  Before initial respirator use, fit testing is required for all employees using a negative       or positive pressure tight-fitting respirators where such respirators are required by OSHA       or where the employer requires the use of such respirator.      6.  The user shall be instructed and trained in the proper use of respirators and their       limitations.       7.  Surveillance of the work area conditions and degree of employee exposure or stress       shall be conducted.       8.  Employer must ensure the use of respirators where respirators are needed to protect       the health of the employees.       9.  Respirators shall be regularly cleaned and disinfected to keep them in a sanitary       condition.       10. Respirators shall be stored in a clean and sanitary location to prevent damage and       contamination.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2000.00 · Current $450.00 Reduced

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1): Employer had not developed or implemented a written hazard communication program included the requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.1200(e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii):     (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, a written hazard communication program had not been developed to address workplace exposures to chemicals such as: propane, granular urea 46-0-0, Availa 4, isopropyl alcohol 99%, Catron IV, and DCAD plus.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(5)(i): The employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of the hazardous chemical(s) contained therein:   (a) South Warehouse Dock, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, 120 gallon liquid petroleum tank was not identified as to its contents. Liquid petroleum tank is used for fueling forklift propane cylinders.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(g)(1): Chemical manufacturers and importers shall obtain or develop a safety data sheet for each hazardous chemical they produce or import. Employers shall have a safety data sheet in the workplace for each hazardous chemical which they use.  (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, safety data sheets were not maintained for all chemicals such as: propane, granular urea 46-0-0, Availa 4, isopropyl alcohol 99%, Catron IV, and DCAD plus.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 9135

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(h): Employees were not provided effective information and training as specified in 29 CFR 1910.1200(h)(1) and -2 on hazardous chemicals in their work area at the time of their initial assignment and whenever a new hazard was introduced:   (a) Plant Facility, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, employee information and training program had not been initiated to address workplace exposures to chemicals such as: propane, granular urea 46-0-0, Availa 4, isopropyl alcohol 99%, Catron IV, and DCAD plus.

Issued

2016-03-08 00:00:00

Abate by

2016-04-01 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(d)(1): On every building or other structure, or part thereof, used for mercantile, business, industrial or storage purposes, the loads approved by the building official were not marked on plates of approved design and securely affixed in a conspicuous place in each space to which they relate.  (a) Mezzanine Area, on or about and at times preceding to September 9, 2015, mezzanine storage area was not identified as to load capacity.