OSHA Inspection: GENERAL PALLET, INC.

Issued

Jun 29, 2016

Abate by

Aug 2, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(1): Energy control program. The employer shall establish a program consisting of energy control procedures, employee training and periodic inspections to ensure that before any employee performs 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.  Production area - On or about June 8, 2016, employees were required to change saw blades and perform maintenance on the Smart pallet dismantler saws and Kent re-saw and other operating equipment. The employer did not establish a written energy control program (lockout/tagout) consisting of training, specific procedures and periodic inspections. Employees were thereby exposed to the hazards due to the unexpected energization of equipment.

Issued

Jun 29, 2016

Abate by

Aug 2, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): The point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefor, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle.  Production area - On or about June 8, 2016, in the facility, employees were required to operate the Smart Product 1 person Pallet Dismantlers on a daily basis. The horizontal band saw blades on the dismantlers were not guarded. Employees were exposed to lacerations/amputations hazards.

Issued

Jun 29, 2016

Abate by

Aug 2, 2016

Penalty

Initial $2,000 · Current $1,400 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(h)(1): The upper hood shall completely enclose the upper portion of the blade down to a point that will include the end of the saw arbor. The upper hood shall be constructed in such a manner and of such material that it will protect the operator from flying splinters, broken saw teeth, etc., and will deflect sawdust away from the operator. The sides of the lower exposed portion of the blade shall be guarded to the full diameter of the blade by a device that will automatically adjust itself to the thickness of the stock and remain in contact with stock being cut to give maximum protection possible for the operation being performed.  Production area - On or about June 8, 2016, the employees were required to operate a Radial arm saw that did not have the lower portion of the blade completely guarded. Employees were thereby exposed to cut and amputation hazards associated with an unguarded blade.

Issued

Jun 29, 2016

Abate by

Aug 2, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(h)(3): An adjustable stop shall be provided to prevent the forward travel of the blade beyond the position necessary to complete the cut in repetitive operations.  Production area - On or about June 8, 2016, employees were required to operate a radial arm saw. The adjustable stop on the radial arm saw did not prevent the forward travel of the blade from traveling beyond the position necessary to complete the cut. Employees were thereby exposed to cut and amputation hazards.