OSHA Inspection: SOUTHERN TIER LOGISTICS, INC.

Issued

Jun 28, 2019

Abate by

Aug 2, 2019

Penalty

Initial $10,229 · Current $6,137 Reduced

Hazardous substances 81108111

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(c)(1): A continuing, effective hearing conservation program as described in 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) was not instituted when employee noise exposures equaled or exceeded an 8 hour time-weighted average sound level (TWA) of 85 dBA:     a) Pack Reclamation Area, on or about 6/18/19: A Pack Reclamation Operator was cleaning plastic trays off with compressed air and was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 221% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 221% dose is approximately 92.7 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 6/18/19 for 441 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 39 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs.  Employer does not have hearing conservation program implemented.       b)  Wash Department, on or about 6/18/19: A Laborer working in the Wash Room was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 114.7% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 114.7% dose is approximately 91.4 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 6/18/19 for 437 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 43 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs.   Employer does not have hearing conservation program implemented.     c) Wash Department, on or about 6/18/19: A Laborer working in the Wash Room was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 120.0% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 120.0% dose is approximately 91.5 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 6/18/19 for 432 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 48 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs.   Employer does not have hearing conservation program implemented.     Abatement methodology:   Step 1: An effective hearing conservation program in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.95(c) through (n) shall be maintained. An effective hearing conservation program shall include, at a minimum:     (1)  A baseline audiogram for all employees exposed to noise levels equal to or in excess of the standard.  (2)  Annual audiograms for each overexposed employee.  (3)  analysis of audiogram results with retesting and/or referral to an otolaryngologist or qualified physician when a significant threshold shift occurs.  A significant shift will be considered to be equal to or greater than an average of 30 dba over the 2000, 3000, and 4000 hertz frequencies.  (4)  Where insert ear plugs or custom-molded devices are utilized, individual employee fitting shall be conducted by a trained person, and employees shall be instructed in the care and use of the devices.

Issued

Jun 28, 2019

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8110

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.95(i)(2)(i):  The wearing of hearing protectors was not ensured for employees exposed to sound levels exceeding those listed in Table G16 of 29 CFR 1910.95 as required by 29 CFR 1910.95(b)(1):   a)  Pack Reclamation Area, on or about 6/18/19: A Pack Reclamation Operator was cleaning plastic trays off with compressed air and was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 221% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 221% dose is approximately 92.7 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 6/18/19 for 441 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 39 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear plugs on 6/18/19 however, employee was observed not wearing hearing protection on 5/14/19.