OSHA Inspection: SMB CONSTRUCTION CO. INC.

Issued

Sep 28, 2016

Abate by

Jan 3, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,857 · Current $7,000 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 were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to excessive heat while working indoors performing demolition work:    a) SMB Construction Co. Inc. - On or about July 7, 2016, at the worksite located at 4100 Bennett Rd., Toledo, Ohio, workers were exposed to excessive heat during the performance of their duties, which included removal and disposal of ceiling tiles inside a commercial building during water damage mitigation. Desiccant and fans were being used to dry structural components, and the upper floors of the building had minimal air movement as windows could not be opened.     The maximum Heat Index as recorded by Weather Underground was 93.8 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 9:52 AM and 8:52 PM.  Heat Index values are devised for shady, light wind conditions. Records of drying conditions kept by the water damage mitigation contractor indicated indoor temperatures ranging between 106 and 112 degrees Fahrenheit, with relative humidity between 26 and 30 percent.    On July 7, 2016, after approximately 6 hours of work, an employee began experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.     The employer did not develop and implement an adequate heat-related illness prevention program. The employer's heat-related illness prevention efforts lacked acclimatization procedures to ensure that employees were gradually introduced to the full working conditions (workload and duration) at the job site. A formal work/rest schedule based on available environmental measurements such as temperature and relative humidity was not implemented for the work site. In addition, the employer did not ensure availability of cold potable water with electrolyte replacement and cool, climate-controlled areas where heat-affected employees may take rest.

Issued

Sep 28, 2016

Abate by

Jan 3, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,857 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2): The employer did not instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his/her environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury:    a) SMB Construction Co. Inc. - Toledo, Ohio: On or about July 7, 2016, employees were not trained on how to report and recognize early symptoms of heat-related illness, and how to prevent heat-related illnesses in the workplace. Training did not address that certain medications may increase the risk of heat stress and that some personal health conditions may increase the risk of developing a heat-related illness.     b) SMB Construction Co. Inc. - Toledo, Ohio: On or about July 7, 2016, supervisors were not trained on how to report and recognize the early symptoms of heat-related illness, how to prevent heat-related illnesses in the workplace, procedures to be followed for heat-related emergency situations and first aid measures to be administered immediately to employees displaying symptoms of heat-related illness; establishing a formal work/rest regimen based on factors such as environmental conditions, workload, and use of personal protective equipment; and ensuring that workers stay hydrated and taking breaks.