OSHA Inspection: SCHWEBEL BAKING COMPANY

Issued

Dec 9, 2016

Abate by

Dec 29, 2016

Penalty

Initial $12,471 · Current $0 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

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:  Schwebel Baking Company, Solon, Ohio:     a. On or about July 13, 2016, employee(s) were exposed to the hazardous conditions of excessive heat during the performance of their duties, which included lifting 50 pound bags of flour, manually, and load them into the mixers.  The maximum NOAA Heat Index was 95 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 11:45 AM and 7:45 PM.  After approximately 3 hours of work, an employee began experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.  The employee sought outpatient medical care the following day.   b. On or about August 4, 2016, employee(s) were exposed to the hazardous conditions of excessive heat during the performance of their duties, which included working on the bread line, packing bread. The maximum NOAA Heat Index was 86 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 5:45 PM and 9:45 PM.  After approximately 3.5 hours of work, an employee began experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.  Emergency medical services were summoned and the employee received hospital care in the emergency department.   c. On or about August 10, 2016, employee(s) were exposed to the hazardous conditions of excessive heat during the performance of their duties, which included working on the bun bagger line, packing bread. The maximum NOAA Heat Index was 86 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 5:45 PM and 9:45 PM. After approximately 1 hour of work, an employee began experiencing symptoms of heat-related illness.  Emergency medical services were summoned and the employee received hospital care in the emergency department.  Heat Index values are devised for outdoors shady and light wind conditions.  Bakery employees operate and/or maintain equipment used to manufacture bread and other baked grain products, which radiate a large amount of heat, increasing the heat stress experienced by nearby workers.  Such exposures may lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The employer failed to implement elements of a heat stress prevention program including but not limited to: worksite monitoring, a formal work/rest schedule based on indoor environmental measurements, guidelines for removing employees from hazardous conditions, and acclimatization for new or returning employees.