OSHA Inspection: VALLEY AGRONOMICS LLC

Issued

Jun 13, 2017

Abate by

Jul 10, 2017

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $12,675

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): The procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following: (A) A specific statement of the intended use of the procedure; (B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy; (C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and (D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.  (a) On or about April 27, 2017 and at times prior, employees are required to service and/or clear jams on the augers.   Abatement certification and documentation ARE required for this item.

Issued

Jun 13, 2017

Abate by

Jul 10, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirement of this standard were being followed.  (a) On or about April 27, 2017 and at times prior, the employer has a Lockout/Tagout program with an effective date of September 20, 2012 and has not done an annual review.  Abatement certification and documentation ARE required for this item.

Issued

Jun 13, 2017

Abate by

Jul 10, 2017

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees:  (a)  On or about April 27, 2017 and at times prior thereto, employees are clearing jams on the augers without understanding the purpose and/or function of the energy control program.  Abatement certification and documentation ARE required for this item.

Issued

Jun 13, 2017

Abate by

Jul 10, 2017

Penalty

Initial $12,675 · Current $6,338 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:  (a)  On or about April 27, 2017, and at times prior thereto, the employer did not have two (2) augers sufficiently guarded and the product being unloaded from the rail cars would push the grate off exposing employees to the rotating auger.   Note: Abatement certification and documentation ARE required for this item.