OSHA Inspection: AMOS GINGRICH CONSTRUCTION

Issued

Sep 15, 2016

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8320

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):    August 18, 2016          Amos Gingerich 26090 Igloo Trail LaPlata, Missouri, 63549     Dear, Amos Gingerich Construction,    As a result of observing workers at heights of 21-25 feet without fall protection, Amos Gingerich Construction,205 W Dewy St, Brashear, Missouri , an inspection was initiated. An inspection of working conditions at the establishment was conducted on August 17, 2016, to evaluate hazards that could be associated with the development of employee heat-related illnesses.   Our investigation determined that although employees can be exposed to excessive heat in their work environment the employer has taken some steps to address the hazard.  The following elements were found to be missing or deficient in the employers? heat illness prevention program:     1. No heat illness prevention program in place.     In the interest of workplace safety and health, I recommend you voluntarily take steps to reduce or eliminate your workers exposure to the hazards associated with working in a hot environment.  Please review your existing heat illness prevention program to ensure that all elements of a comprehensive heat illness prevention program are in place.  The following are recommended elements of a comprehensive heat illness prevention program:    General Controls    General Controls include training, personal protective equipment (PPE), administrative controls and hygiene practices, health screening and heat alert programs.      Training: workers must be informed of the following: a.       Hazards of the heat stress b.      Responsibility to avoid heat stress c.       Recognition of danger  signs and symptoms d.      First-aid procedures  e.       Employer?s program to address heat related illnesses f.       The effects of certain medication, drugs and alcohol in hot environments      Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment   a.       Cooling vest, wetted clothing and water cooled/dampened garments are effective under high temperature and low humidity conditions.      Administrative Controls a.       Permit  employees to take intermittent rest breaks with water breaks, use relief workers and reduce physical demands on the job b.      Have air-conditioned or shaded areas available for those break/rest periods.  c.       Provide cool water and encouraging employees to drink 5 to 7 ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes ? rather than relying on thirst.      Health Screening and Acclimatization:   a.       Workers should be allowed to get used to hot working environments by using a staggered approach over several days. The same should be  done for workers returning from an absence of two weeks or more, For example begin work with 50% of  the normal workload and time spent in the hot environment, and then gradually increase the time over a 5 day-period.    b.      Workers should be made aware of the following:    1.      Medications such as the following can increase risk of heat stress:      Diuretics- water pills Antihypertensives-blood pressure medication Anticholinergics- for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Antihistamines ? allergy medications A doctor or pharmacist should be contacted for more information   2.      Dangers of using drugs and alcohol in hot work environments     Further information on preventing heat related illness can be found at www.osha.gov/heat.                                                                                                               I am sure that your company shares our goal of reducing or eliminating exposures to heat illness in your workplace. In order to accomplish this goal, closely monitor your heat illness prevention program and continue to implement necessary measures and/or changes.   If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact this office.    Attached is a list of available resources that may be of assistance to you in preventing work-related injuries and illnesses in your workplace.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Kansas City Area Office.    Sincerely,          Todd Sieleman Acting Area Director    Attachment                               HEAT RELATED INFORMATION LINKS         Safety and Health Topics: Heat Stress: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/heatstress/index.html.      OSHA Technical Manual, Section III. Health Hazards, Chapter 4, Heat Stress: https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta.otm/otm_iii_4.html.      NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topics: http:www.cdc.gov.niosh/topics/heatstress/.      The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOOA), National Weather Service: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om.heat/index.shtml#heatindex.    Current weather conditions, including the previous three day weather conditions at www.noaa.gov, information from prior dates can also be requested.     NIOSH Publication 86-112: Working in Hot Environments: http://www.cdc.gov/NIOSH/docs/86-112/.     California OSHA Health Illness Prevention: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh.heatillnessinfo.html.

Issued

Sep 15, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,741 · Current $3,741

Issued

Sep 15, 2016

Penalty

Initial $3,741 · Current $3,741