OSHA Inspection: THOMSON PLASTICS, INC.

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,772 · Current $5,500 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 falling racks and falling product when racks that were damaged were used to store materials.  This hazard was recognized by the employer who had replaced damaged racks in the past.      On or about March 2, 2017 employees were exposed to struck-by hazards while performing work around a damaged rack located on the aisle near the ramp to the warehouse area. The rack was in use with materials stored in the rack  The materials stored weighed 1875 pounds.  Forklifts are used to access the materials in the racks.      No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,079 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(c): The employer did not provide, and ensure each employee used, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces:    On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to trip hazards when employees had to walk over electrical cords when going to/from their work station at the presses.  There were electrical cords on the floor.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $10,158 · Current $8,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed:    On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to fire hazards when the exit behind press 156 was blocked by a cabinet, the press, and equipment around the press.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(4): Signs were not posted along the exit access indicating the direction of travel to the nearest exit and exit discharge when the direction of travel to the exit or exit discharge was not immediately apparent:  On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to fire hazards when no exit or exit sign was visible when standing in the aisle near press 156.  The view of the exit behind press 156 was limited due to the size of press 156 and nearby presses.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.37(b)(6): Each exit sign was not illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color:  On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to fire hazards when the exit sign at the exit door behind press 156 was not lit.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,079 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1)(iv): Safety of equipment was not determined using considerations for electrical insulation    On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to electrical hazards.  Employees walk and work at the presses where these damaged electrical cords were found.  Employees plug the cords into outlets.  a. Extension cord:  outer plastic insulator was damaged.   b. Extension cord:  damaged cord had been repaired with electrical tape in two locations    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5): The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures was not permanent, continuous, and effective:  On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to electrical hazards.  Employees walk and work at the presses where these damaged electrical cords were found.  Employees plug the cords into outlets. a. Fan cord:  ground pin was missing  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Penalty

Initial $6,772 · Current $5,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(iv): There were damaged parts that could adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that were broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating:    On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to electrical hazards when the electrical outlet mounted on the column next to the aisle had been damaged.  The face plate had been attached with a zip tie.  The outlet was used for fans.    No abatement certification or documentation is required for this item.

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,079 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:    On or about March 2, 2017, flexible cords were used as permanent wiring.  Employees work and walk in the areas where flexible wiring was used at locations such as, but not limited to the following:  a. electrical outlet box located on press 129  b. electrical outlet box located on robot Plexiglas cage at press 32    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).

Issued

Aug 9, 2017

Abate by

Sep 5, 2017

Penalty

Initial $5,079 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables were not connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief was provided that would prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws:    On or about March 2, 2017, employees were exposed to electrical hazards.  Employees walk and work at the presses where these damaged electrical cords were found.  Employees plug the cords into outlets.  a. Fan cord:  Inner insulation was visible where the outer insulation had pulled loose from the connector.   b. Job made extension cord:  Outer insulation had pulled loose from the connector    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(c), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET).