OSHA Inspection: THE WESTERN SUGAR COOPERATIVE

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $5,314 · Current $4,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2): The floor of each workroom was not maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition.  When wet processes are used, drainage was not maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats must be provided.    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that drainage was maintained and false floors, platforms, mats, or other dry standing places were provided, throughout the facility where wet processes were taking place.  Throughout the sugar processing area floors had puddles of standing water, uneven surfaces and cracks which collected hot water and juice to include steps along the normal path of travel. These conditions exposed employees to tripping hazards, burns and potential caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(3)(ii): Each employee was not protected from tripping into or stepping into or through any hole that was less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above a lower level by covers or guardrail systems:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that each employee was protected from tripping into or stepping into or through holes located on the walking surfaces throughout the facility.  The floors in the facility have drains that range from 2-6 inches in diameter. Throughout the production area, floor drains had covers missing which created holes up to 6 inches that employees could step into causing them to trip.  Floor holes during the walk-around include but were not limited to a 4 inch by 4 inch hole on the south end of boiler #2, two 5 inch diameter floor holes in the 2nd carb area, 2 inch and 4 inch floor holes on the second floor near the sock filter. Many of the floor holes were near moving machinery, hot water and other areas which present a hazard if an employee were to fall into the space.  These conditions exposed employees to tripping hazards, burns and potential caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Aug 8, 2019

Penalty

Initial $8,856 · Current $6,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): The employer did not select and have each affected employee use the types of personal protective equipment that would protect the affected employee(s) from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not select and have each affected employee use the types of personal protective equipment that would protect the affected employees from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment.  Employees changing filters in several different applications were not utilizing PPE adequate to protect them from burn hazards to the hands, arms, face and body. The PPE hazard assessment outlined waterproof temperature resistant gloves to be worn by employees but the use of this PPE was not enforced.  The following condition exposes employees to burns.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not  ensure that procedures for the control of hazardous energy were utilized for employees changing water filters in the sugar processing/production area.  Employees changing filters in several different applications were not utilizing hazardous energy control procedures to prevent inadvertent release of hot water/juice while they were conducting the filter changes. The supply and drain for the filtration systems were isolated by shutting off various types of valves.  The valves were not under exclusive control of the worker at all times during the filter change, the filtration system was not isolated and locked out during this servicing and the servicing created hazards for other employees in the form of burns when walking/working in the vicinity of the filtrations system during filter changes. Additionally, the employer has had multiple instances where employees have been burned during the filter change process from the 95 degree Celsius water/juice accumulating or not being completely drained from the filter bowl. This condition exposes employees to burns.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 1, 2019

Penalty

Initial $8,856 · Current $6,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(d)(9): Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services, for rescuing entrants from permit spaces.  The company's policy for employees entering confined spaces in need of rescue was to notify the local fire department.  The employer did not establish and use local procedures to verify availability of rescue personnel, to communicate the specifics of the entry, or to provide the necessary emergency services for rescued employees.  This condition exposed employees to entrapment, atmospheric and caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 1, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(g)(1): The employer did not provide training so that all employees whose work was regulated by 29 CFR 1910.146 (permit required confined spaces) acquired the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under 29 CFR 1910.146:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not provide training so that all employees whose work was regulated by 29 CFR 1910.146 (permit required confined spaces) acquired the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned.  Confined space entrants, attendants and supervisors were not trained on roles and responsibilities for confined space entry, and rescue or the use of rescue equipment. Basic procedures were outlined in the company confined space program, however, many of the procedures outlined in the program were not communicated and or implemented with employees engaged in confined space entry.  This condition exposed employees to entrapment, atmospheric and caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 1, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.146(k)(1)(i): An employer who designated rescue and emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, did not evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that the emergency services that were going to be notified in the event of an emergency were equipped and capable of responding in a timely manner and performing a confined space rescue in the types of spaces identified.  The employer's plan was to notify the local fire department in the event of an emergency during a confined space entry.  Local fire and emergency services were not evaluated to ensure that confined space rescue at the facility was within their capabilities. This condition exposed employees to entrapment, atmospheric and caught-in hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Aug 8, 2019

Penalty

Initial $8,856 · Current $6,500 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) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that one or more methods of machine guarding was 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.  Employees utilizing the South Bend Precision lathe in the fab shop area were not protected from machine hazards created by the rotation of the lathe chuck and flying chips of metal.  This condition exposed employees to caught-in/struck-by hazards.    b) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that one or more methods of machine guarding was 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.  Employees utilizing a Hyd Mech Model S-20 horizontal band saw for cutting metal material in the back maintenance area were not protected from cut hazards created by a 6" section of the unused portion of the saw blade.  This condition exposed employees to caught-in/struck-by hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $8,856 · Current $6,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(c)(4)(i): Unguarded projecting shaft end(s) did not present a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that unguarded projecting shaft ends presented a smooth edge and end and projected more than one half the diameter of the shaft.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean in areas that include but are not limited to bagging area, powder annex and scroll area south of bagger area where unguarded shafts are protruding more than half the diameter and rotating.  These conditions exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor pulleys powering a South Bend Precision lathe was guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  The south bend precision lathe in the fab shop power belt/pulley was not guarded which exposed the nip points which could catch the operators clothing and or limbs.  These conditions exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.    b) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor pulleys powering various belt and screw conveyors were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean in the far end of the pan floor scroll to the elevator where unguarded belts/pulleys were located.  The unguarded belt/pulley was approximately 3 feet from the staircase with a 2-3" by 1 foot opening leading into the belt/pulley. These conditions exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.    c) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor pulleys powering various belt and screw conveyors were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean near the high roll agitator motor near the 2nd floor stairway. The belts/pulley were exposed by a 3-6 inch by 1 foot opening located within 3 feet of the stairway. These conditions exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Horizontal belts which had both runs 42 inches or less from the floor level were not fully enclosed by guards conforming to requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor belts powering various conveyors and other machines were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean in the far end of the pan floor scroll to the elevator where unguarded belts/pulleys were located.  The unguarded belt/pulley was approximately 3 feet from the staircase with a 2-3" by 1 foot opening leading into the belt/pulley. This condition exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.    b) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor belts powering various conveyors and other machines were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean near the high roll agitator motor near the 2nd floor stairway. The belts/pulley were exposed by a 3-6 inch by 1 foot opening located within 3 feet of the stairway. This condition exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Aug 8, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(3)(i): Vertical or inclined belt(s) were not enclosed by guard(s) conforming to the requirements specified at 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o).  a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that a motor belt powering a South Bend Precision lathe was guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  The South Bend Precision lathe in the fab shop power belt/pulley was not guarded which exposed the nip points which could catch the operators clothing and or limbs.  This condition exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Sep 15, 2019

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:    a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor chains/sprockets powering various equipment were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean in the far end of the pan floor area where the sugar/alcohol mixer was located.  The chain/sprocket had a 10 in by 14 inch opening exposing the nip points on both sides. This condition exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.    b) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor chains/sprockets powering various equipment were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around, and clean near the motor area of the head house.  Several chains/sprockets had 4 inch by 12 inch openings exposing the nip points.  These conditions exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.    c) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that motor chains/sprockets powering various equipment were guarded to prevent employees from the nip points.  Employees walk through, work in and around and clean near the motor for boiler # 2.  The chain/sprocket coming off of the motor had a 2 inch by 6 inch opening exposing the nip points.  This condition exposed employees to caught-in/between hazards.

Issued

Jul 3, 2019

Abate by

Aug 8, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(2): Listed or labeled electrical equipment was not used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling:  a) Western Sugar Cooperative located at 18317 highway 144, Fort Morgan, CO 80701:  On and preceding March 7, 2019, the employer did not ensure that listed or labeled electrical equipment was used or installed in accordance with instructions included in the listing or labeling.  The conduit that enclosed wiring to feed power to several conveyor motors and control panels was damaged with inner insulation exposed.  The conduit locations include but are not limited to the uplift conveyor motor, pallet inverter controls, south bend precision lathe control and the pan floor far end scroll motor to the sugar elevator.  Employees working in these areas pass by the wiring and operate the controls the damaged wiring is fed into on a daily basis.  These conditions exposed employees to electrical shock.