OSHA Inspection: MIDWEST ELASTOMERS, INC.

Issued

Aug 9, 2019

Abate by

Aug 27, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $5,105 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 was 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level was protected from falling by one or more of the following:  Guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems:   a.)     On or about April 3, 2019, the employer did not ensure employees were protected while standing on the hopper to clean the conveyor on Line 1301. Employees are required to access the top of the hopper to perform activities such as, but not limited to, blowing down the conveyor and are exposed to falls of approximately 10 feet to the concrete below.

Issued

Aug 9, 2019

Abate by

Oct 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $10,210

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer did not provide adequate training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program was understood by employees:   a.)     On or about March 28, 2019, the employer did not ensure that employees were adequately trained in the lockout procedures for the Plastics Line 1301 conveyor.  Employees did not lock out and tag out the electrical panel while performing cleaning activities on equipment including, but not limited to the Line 1301 conveyor.

Issued

Aug 9, 2019

Abate by

Oct 15, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,210 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6):(a)    a.)   On or about March 28, 2019, an employee was attempting to clean out the conveyor on top of the hopper on Line 1301 when their hand became caught in the moving conveyor, resulting in crushing injuries to the hand. The employer did not ensure that the energy control application steps to control the electrical energy source were implemented prior to the maintenance tasks; the employer did not:  - Shut down the equipment using the procedures established. - Physically operate energy isolating devices to control energy sources and affix lockout device(s). - Ensure that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy was relieved, disconnected, and rendered safe. - Verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished.