OSHA Inspection: KENNETT SQUARE SPECIALTIES, LLC

Issued

Jan 18, 2018

Abate by

Feb 6, 2018

Penalty

Initial $11,641 · Current $8,731 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 fall hazards.      a) Jobsite: Alonzo Plant, Single Mushroom House, staircase - The Staircase was not provided with a standard railing and handrail to protected employees harvesting mushrooms from fall hazards.  Employees used the staircase to access the 2nd level located approximately 7 feet above ground level of the mushroom house. The staircase floor openings measured approximately 5 feet in length, 2 feet in width.     Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement would be to install a staircase handrail, and a standard railing.        b) Jobsite: Alonzo Plant, Single Mushroom House, 2nd level, railing guarding staircase floor opening - The top rail of the railing was not capable of withstanding forces of at least 200 pounds.  The railing displaced horizontally approximately 2 inches on either side when handled for support to access the staircase.    Abatement Note: Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable means of abatement would be to install standard railings capable of withstanding forces of at least 200 lbs.        c) Jobsite: Alonzo Plant, Single Mushroom House, 2nd level, center aisle, walking platform - Walking platforms with 13 inch gaps on each side, and 28 inch gaps when rolled over at the end of each shift for ventilation purposes, exposed employees harvesting mushrooms to fall hazards.  An employee suffered serious injuries after falling through the 28 inch gap 7 feet below to the ground level.        Abatement Note: Among other methods, a feasible and acceptable means of abatement would be to fully plank the walking/working surfaces with gaps measuring no more than 1 inch for ventilation purposes.     Observed on or about 7/20/17.