OSHA Inspection: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Nov 7, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,967 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(11): Portable ladders used to gain access to an upper landing surface did hot have side rails that extend at least 3 feet (0.9 m) above the upper landing surface (see Figure D-1 of this section);      The employer does not ensure that ladders used to access flatbed trailers are more than 3 feet above the trailers. This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 when an employee used a 6 A-frame ladder to access a flatbed trailer that was more than 4 above the ground, exposing the employee to the hazard of falls.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $11,950 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): The employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling:      The employer does not ensure that employees working on surfaces above 4 feet are provided with fall protection.     a) WITHDRAWN PER SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT    b) This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 as a employee was working at the end of the   Callic Plate Conveyor that was missing guardrails, exposing the employee to the hazard of falls.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,967 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.29(b)(2)(i): Midrails were not installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guardrail system and the walking/working surface      The employer does not ensure that employees working on a base welder platform are provided with adequate fall protection.  This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 as a base welder platform was observed with a small chain used as a guard rail and no midrails, exposing the employee to the hazard of falls.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.101(b): The in-plant handling, storage, and utilization of all compressed gases in cylinders, portable tanks, rail tankcars, or motor vehicle cargo tanks were not in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965, which is incorporated by reference as specified in 29CFR 1910.6:      The employer does not ensure that stored, compressed gas cylinders were stored in accordance with Compressed Gas Association Pamphlet P-1-1965. This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 when compressed gas cylinders, behind the facility in the compressed gas storage area, were not provided with protective caps .  Employees were exposed to fire, explosion, and struck by hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $11,950 · Current $6,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided. This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets.    The employer does not ensure a chain and sprocket on a squaring machine was properly guarded.  This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 at the facility.  Employees were exposed to the hazard of being caught-in the moving chain and sprocket.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $7,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.254(d)(9)(iii):  Cables with damaged insulation or exposed bare conductors were not replaced:      The employer did not ensure damaged cables leading on two Miller arc welders were replaced.  This violation was observed was on or about April 26, 2017 in the welding shop, exposing employees to the electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $7,967 · Current $5,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2):  Listed or labeled equipment was not used or installed in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling      The employer does not ensure a relocatable power was not directly connected to a permanent branch circuit receptacle.  This violation was observed was on or about April 26, 2017 in the south lean-to bay area, exposing employees to the electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(7)(ivThe employer does not ensure damaged parts that may adversely affect safe operation or mechanical strength of the equipment, such as parts that are broken, bent, cut, or deteriorated by corrosion, chemical action, or overheating:      The employer does not ensure an outlet pendant box detattched from an adjoining pendant box and hanging by an electrical wire was either fixed or removed from service.  This violation was observed was on or about April 26, 2017 in the south lean-to bay area, exposing employees to the electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Nov 7, 2017

Penalty

Initial $9,959 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in cabinets, boxes, and fittings were not effectively closed:    The employer does not ensure that unused openings in electrical disconnect panels are effectively closed.        a) This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 in the coating shop, exposing employees to electrical hazards.      b) This violation was observed on or about April 26, 2017 in the department 2153, exposing employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.304(g)(5):  The path to ground from circuits, equipment, and enclosures were not permanent, continuous, and effective:      The employer allowed employees to use a pedestal fan that was missing a ground prong.  This violation was observed was on or about April 26, 2017 in the seamer #1 area, exposing employees to the electric shock hazards.

Issued

Oct 23, 2017

Abate by

Oct 25, 2017

Penalty

Initial $29,876 · Current $15,000 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:                                                                                                                              The employer does not ensure that extension cords (flex wiring) are not used as a substitute for fixed wiring.  This violation was observed on or about July 13, 2016 in the trim department at the facility, exposing employees to electrical hazards.      Valmont Industries, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 29 CFR1910.305(g)(1)(iii)[A], which was contained in OSHA inspection number 914935, citation number 1, item number 2, and was affirmed as a final order on September 25, 2013, with a final abatement date of October 22, 2013, with respect to a workplace hazard at 28800 IDA Street Valley, Nebraska 68064.