OSHA Inspection: BRUCE FOODS CORPORATION

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $5,300 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 from overhead process piping not properly secured causing excessive vibration:    On or about August 28, 2018, the employer did not comply with 2007 National Board Inspection Code 2 Part II Section 2 Inspection 2.4.4(d) Piping should be externally inspected for the following: Past or present evidence of excessive vibration or cyclic activity such as loose or missing piping supports or piping insulation. If such activity is present, piping and piping joints should be inspected for potential fatigue cracking. Employees were exposed to explosion and struck-by hazards outside and behind the production area, when pressurized process piping used to supply steam from boilers was not secured properly causing excessive vibration and high pressure water leaks.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): For a wet process, drainage was not maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats was not provided.      On or about August 28, 2018, outside production area, employees were exposed to slip/trip and fall hazards due to several instances of water accumulation on the walking/working area:    a) Near the piping area outside, behind the main building, where maintenance employee walk through to get to their work areas.  b) Another area outside, behind the main building, where maintenance employees walk through to access control panels.  c)  Outside behind the main building, near the outside production area, at the base of the ladder used by maintenance personnel.  d) Inside the building, just off the elevated production work area, at the base of the steps, creating a slip/fall hazard to the production employees at the jalapeno cleaning area.  e) Inside the building, in the walk way near the production area, mostly traveled by maintenance personnel.  f) In the production area outside, behind the building where the chile crates to wash the chile are located.  Maintenance and other employees walk in this area on a regular basis.  g) Another area inside the building, just off the elevated production work area, at the base of the steps, creating a slip/fall hazard to the production employees in the jalapeno cleaning area.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3): The employer did not ensure walking-working surfaces were maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to trip and fall hazards in the following instances;    a)  In the production building, a hose was running across walking/working surface causing trip hazard.    b)  In the production building, loose covers (wood/metal) protruding upward approximately 1/2 to 1 inch causing trip hazard.    c)  In the production building, metal grate uneven and bent upwards causing trip hazard.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(c)(7)(i): The employer did not ensure the stability of the ladder to prevent accidental displacement.    On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor, employees were exposed to fall hazards up to 16 feet. The 16 foot extension ladder was separated into two sections and used separately in two separate areas;    a)  One section was used by maintenance employee(s) to access the can conveyor near the ceiling inside of the building without ensuring the stability of the ladder to prevent accidental displacement.     b)  The other section was used by maintenance employee(s) to access the can conveyor outside the building without ensuring the stability of the ladder to prevent accidental displacement.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.23(b)(8): The employer did not ensure ladders were used only for the purposes for which they were designed.    On or about August 28, 2018, an employee was exposed to a fall hazard while using an eight foot step ladder for purposes other than what it was designed for. The 8-foot A-Frame ladder used to access the upper sections (approximately 8 feet up) of the case elevator while leaning against it.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 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 was protected from falling:     On or about August 28, 2018,  employees were exposed to fall hazards greater than 4-feet due while working on platforms with missing guard rails in the following three instances;    a) Outside in the production area near rotary cooler, an employee working on two separate platforms was observed jumping one to the other without any fall protection.    b) In Aseptic room (right side) employees accessed the mixing platform which was missing top/mid guard rails.    c) In Aseptic room (left side); employees accessed the mixing platform which was missing top/mid guard rails.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(ii): Each employee was not protected from tripping into floor holes:      On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to tripping hazards in the following instances;    a) Outside production area; water troughs running across the walking surfaces were not adequately covered or had covers missing.      b) Inside production area; water troughs running across the walking surfaces were not adequately covered or had covers missing.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $10,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): The energy control procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, including, but not limited to Items of this section:    On or about August 28, 2018, the employers lockout-tagout procedure was inadequate. The procedure did not identify multiple sources of energy and did not contain procedural steps to be utilized for the control of all hazardous energy associated with the following equipment, exposing employees to unexpected energization or machine movement or the release of stored energy.      a)  Jalapeno line machine    b)  Chili separation machine    c)  The 6-can tray machine

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(5)(i): Locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware were not provided by the employer for isolating, securing or blocking of machines or equipment from energy sources:    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to unexpected energization or machine movement, or the release of stored energy because the employer did not provide lockout/tagout devices or hardware such as but not limited to locks, tags, chains, wedges, key blocks, adapter pins, self-locking fasteners, or other hardware to isolate, secure machines or equipment from energy sources, exposing employees to amputations, electrical shock, third and fourth degree burns and/or death.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $0 Reduced

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:    On or about August 28, 2018, annual periodic inspections of the employer's energy control procedures were not conducted. Documentation provided by the employer indicated that inspections were to be performed but were never implemented. Employee(s) were exposed to unexpected energization or startup of the machines or equipment, or release of stored energy causing caught-between, struck-by or electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d)(2): An orderly shutdown of machine or equipment was not utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazards to employees as a result of equipment stoppage:    On or about August 28, 2018, an employee was exposed to hazard of unexpected sources of energy release because the employer provided generic shutdown procedures which were not specific to the Jalapeno Line Machine.  The authorized employee conducting maintenance operations did not use the generic procedures and only locked out the machine by placing a piece of duct tape over the lid of the 220V electrical control panel stating "Danger, don't turn on men working".  The employee was exposed to residual/stored energy such as but not limited to pneumatic, kinetic and steam energy.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $11,934 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(f)(3)(i): A procedure was not utilized to afford the employees a level of protection equivalent to that provided by the implementation of a personal lockout or tagout device when servicing and/or maintenance was performed by a crew, craft,    On or about August 28, 2018, an employee was exposed to unexpected energization or machine movement, or the release of stored energy. On several occasions where the supervisor applied his own lock to the energy source to lockout equipment while another maintenance employee (not authorized employee) would work on the piece of equipment or machinery.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,115 · Current $2,525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(a): Where mechanical handling equipment is used, sufficient safe clearances were not provided in aisle ways.  Aisles and passageways were not kept clear with no obstructions across or in aisles creating a hazard:    On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor, forklift operators were exposed to struck-by or tip-over hazards due to the aisles and passageways not kept in good repair and clear with no obstructions.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,115 · Current $2,525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.176(b): Material stored in tiers was not stacked, blocked, interlocked or limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse:    On or about August 28, 2018, forklift operators were exposed to struck by hazards in the warehouse area due material stored in tiers that was not stacked properly and limited in height so that it was stable and secure against sliding and collapse.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,115 · Current $2,525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(5): Fan blade guard(s) were not provided where the periphery of the blades was less than seven feet from the floor or working level:    On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor, employees were exposed to four instances caught-in hazards due to three evaporative coolers and one fan missing guards or not properly guarded:    a) In the production area of the building near the maintenance shop.    b) In the production area near the rear entrance to the building.    c) In the production area near the chile separation work area.    d) In the production area also near the chile separation work area.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(a)(4): Work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch:    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to struck-by and caught-in hazards because the work rest(s) on grinding machinery were not adjusted closely to the wheel with a maximum opening of one eighth inch.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.215(b)(9): The distance between the abrasive wheel periphery(s) and the adjustable tongue or the end of the safety guard peripheral member at the top exceeded one fourth inch    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to struck-by hazards because the tongue guard on the bench grinder had the tongue guard with a spacing of at least 1/2 inch and the pedestal grinder had the tongue guard missing completely.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $10,229 · Current $4,140 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(1): Gear(s) were not guarded by a complete enclosure or by one of the methods specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(f)(1)(ii) and (f)(1)(iii):    On or about August 28, 2018, employees are exposed caught-in hazards due to interlocking/meshing gears missing guards in the following instances:    a) Outside the production area, interlocking gears to the shelve cooler machine was missing a guard.     b) Outside production area, the can conveyor interlocking gears to the shelve cooler machine was missing a guard.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven -7 feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:    On or about August 28, 2018, employees are exposed to caught-in hazards due to sprocket and chains missing guards in two instances;    a) At the accident site, sprocket and chain gears near and over the fan blade to the rotary cooling machine were missing guards.    b) Outside in the production area, sprocket and chains to the chile cleaning conveyor machine was missing a guard.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.252(a)(2)(ii): Suitable extinguishing equipment was not maintained in a state of readiness for instant use:    On or about August 28, 2018, the employer did not provide an operable fire extinguisher for the employee actively engaged in welding operation; this condition exposed the employee to fire hazards.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.253(b)(2)(iv): Valve protection caps, where cylinders were designed to accept caps, were not always in place, hand-tight, except when cylinders were in use or connected for use:    On or about August 28, 2018, in the maintenance area; an oxygen tank along with an acetylene tank was being stored on a welder's cart while not in use. Both cylinder tanks were left unsecured and did not have protection caps. This condition exposed employees to struck by hazards.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,115 · Current $2,525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(8)(i): Electrical equipment was not firmly secured to the surface on which it was mounted.      On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor; employees were exposed to fire/burn and electrical shock hazards due to the possibility of transformers overheating. The ventilation openings in the back were blocked by the walls which prevented the free circulation of air through the electrical equipment that was not firmly secured to the surface on which it was mounted.  There were three instances:    a) A 220v Square D transformer located in the taco shell area.    b) A second 220v Square D transformer located in the taco shell area.    c) A 220v General Electric transformer located in the electrical shop.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(8)(iii): Electric equipment provided with ventilating openings was installed so that walls or other obstructions prevent the free circulation of air through the equipment:    On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor; employees were exposed to fire/burn and electrical shock hazards due to the possibility of the transformers overheating. The ventilation openings in the back were blocked by the walls which prevented the free circulation of air through the equipment.  There were three instances:    a) A 220v Square D transformer located in the taco shell area.    b) A second 220v Square D transformer located in the taco shell area  .  c) A 220v General Electric transformer located in the electrical shop.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(i)(B): For electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground, and likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, the width of the working space in front of electrical equipment was less than 762 mm (30 inches) :    On or about August 28, 2018, in the maintenance equipment shop employees were exposed to fire hazards in that access to the electrical panels were blocked by the accumulation of trash, material and equipment being stored in front of the electrical panels.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(g)(1)(vii)(B): Outdoor electric equipment was not installed in suitable enclosures and/or was not protected from accidental contact by unauthorized personnel, by accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems.    On or about August 28, 2018, outside and behind the production floor building, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards in three instances due to electrical panels and control boxes not being closed or enclosed and protected against accidental spillage or leakage from piping systems;    a) Gray electrical box near the outside production area with the door not latched closed.    b) Red electrical box near the outside production area with the door not latched closed.    c) Control panel for conveyors with lid propped open.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,819 · Current $3,205 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(1)(ii): Unused openings in boxes, cabinets, or fittings were not effectively closed:    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards due to unused openings in electrical boxes and cabinets not effectively closed in the following instances;    a)  Outside production area, gray control panel for outdoor conveyor(s).    b)  Inside production area, blue control panel for outdoor conveyor(s).    c)  Inside production area, brown control panel near the rear entrance to the building.    d)  Inside production area, blue control panel near the taco shell line/water fountain.    e)  Inside production area, the control panel for the 6 can tray machine.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(b)(2)(i): Each outlet box in completed installations did not have a cover, faceplate, or fixture canopy:    On or about August 28, 2018, employees were exposed to electrical shock hazards due to receptacle outlets missing a cover or faceplate in the following instances;    a)  Inside the production area the receptacle outlet next to the circuit panel near the taco shell area.    b)  Inside the production area the receptacle outlet just outside of the maintenance shop.    c)  Inside the production area the junction box on cement block wall just outside of the electrical shop.    d) Outside production area the receptacle outlet just below the control box with unused opening.    e) Outside production area the receptacle outlet near the water fountain/aseptic room.    f)  Inside the production area;  the industrial fan was plugged into the receptacle outlet near the 6 can tray machine.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(B): Flexible cords and/or cables were run through holes in walls, ceilings, or floors:    On or about August 28, 2018, on the production floor in the maintenance area; an electrical cable was run through a hole of a metal wall. The electrical cable was energized and connected to the chop saw which was being used by maintenance employees.  This condition exposed employees to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Feb 25, 2019

Abate by

Nov 13, 2020

Penalty

Initial $8,525 · Current $3,410 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(ii): Flexible cords were not used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap:    On or about August 28, 2018, there were three instances where flexible cords were not used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. In two instances, the electrical black tape used for splicing was unraveling; this condition exposed employees to electrical shock hazards.    a)  The electrical cord from the outside water tank was spliced using wire nuts and electrical tape but left the inside conductors unprotected.     b)  In the aseptic room, the electrical cord to the industrial fan and just above the employees heads was spliced/repaired with electrical tape.    c)  In the 6 tray packing area, the electrical cord to the industrial fan was splice/repaired using electrical tape.