OSHA Inspection: KERSTEN LUMBER CO INC

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jun 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $9,446 · Current $3,777 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(6)(i): (i) Each employee less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above dangerous equipment is protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system, unless the equipment is covered or guarded to eliminate the hazard.    a) On or about November 07, 2019 at the Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees were exposed to fall hazards greater than 4 feet when walking up the De-Barker waste conveyor to service and grease end conveyor equipment without any fall protection equipment.    b) On or about November 07, 2019 at the Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees who serviced and greased the bellow block on the De-Barker Bull Wheel Carriage without fall protection were exposed to fall hazards four feet and greater down through the 22 inch wide carriage deck openings.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Mar 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $8,096 · Current $3,238 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1)(i): Select, and have each affected employee use, the types of PPE that will protect the affected employee from the hazards identified in the hazard assessment;      The employer did not ensure that the personal protective equipment selected for sawmill employees was worn by all employees who were exposed to potential head injuries. Bump caps not worn when cleaning into, around, and under equipment exposing employees to head injury on a daily basis.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(h)(1): Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(6) of this section, the protective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE), used to comply with this part, shall be provided by the employer at no cost to employees.   The employer did not provide hand protection at no cost to all employees that worked in sawmill. Employees told that they had to pay for additional pairs of gloves.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jun 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $9,446 · Current $3,778 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): Procedures did not clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(A), (c)(4)(ii)(B), (c)(4)(ii)(C) and (c)(4)(ii)(D):    On November 7, 2019 at the Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the employer failed to clearly identify all of the specific steps to be followed by employees to isolate and disable the De-Barker, Head Saw, Re-Saw, and conveyor equipment in order to safely de-energize the equipment and control the mechanical hazards and to prevent unintentional or accidental machine start up. The current procedures lacked the following:    1. The purpose of the energy control procedure,  2. Identify and locate nominal electric disconnect switches to control isolation,  3. Sequential steps to be followed to protect employees from mechanical hazards,  4. Application of person lockout devices,  5. Identify residual energy has dissipated (e.g. blade stopped before guards removed),  6. Verify and test that de-energization and isolation has been accomplished.  7. Provide steps for restart.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i): The employer shall provide training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program are understood by employees and that the knowledge and skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of the energy controls are acquired by employees. The training shall include the following:  On November 7, 2019 at the Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the employer did not effectively provide, communicate and evaluate lockout/tagout training to the Re-Saw Operator.  The employer did not verify that the authorized employee recognized and understood the following:  1) All applicable hazardous energy sources; 2) Type and magnitude of energy found in the workplace: 3) Means and methods of isolation and/or controlling energy; and  4) Means of verification of effective energy control and the purpose of the procedure to be used.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6):    a) On or about November 7, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts, in-going nip points, caught-in and crushing hazards when they engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the De-Barker.   The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical, pneumatic and gravity energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to grease on the De-barker. The machine was not deenergized prior to the employee engaging in the servicing / maintenance activity.       b) On November 7, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts, in-going nip points, caught-in and crushing hazards when they engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the Head Saw.  The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical, gravity energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to change saw blades on the Head Saw.  The machine was not de-energized prior to the employee engaging in the servicing / maintenance activity.        c) On November 7, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts, in-going nip points, caught-in and crushing hazards when they engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the Re-Saw. The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical, gravity energy sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to change saw blades on the Re-Saw. The machine was not de-energized prior to the employee engaging in the servicing / maintenance activity.    d) On November 7, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; employees were exposed to equipment hazards such as but not limited too; moving parts, in-going nip points, caught-in and crushing hazards when they engaged in servicing and maintenance activities on the conveyor systems in the sawmill. The employer did not ensure that energy control application steps to control the electrical power sources were implemented prior to allowing employees to walk on, in-between, and under conveyors systems during grease, cleaning, and servicing activities.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Apr 6, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,747 · Current $2,699 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(a)(3)(ii): The point of operation of machines whose operation exposes an employee to injury, shall be guarded. The guarding device shall be in conformity with any appropriate standards therefor, or, in the absence of applicable specific standards, shall be so designed and constructed as to prevent the operator from having any part of his body in the danger zone during the operating cycle.    On November 8, 2019 at the Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the Buffalo#11218 Drill Press located in the Maintenance Shop and used by maintence employees on a regular basis did not have a guard exposing them to caught-in hazards created by the rotating chuck.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Apr 6, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.212(b): Anchoring fixed machinery. Machines designed for a fixed location shall be securely anchored to prevent walking or moving.  On November 8, 2019 the Buffalo#11218 Drill Press located in the Maintenance Shop and used by maintence employees on a regular basis was not secured to the floor to prevent movement or tipping.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,747 · Current $2,699 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(e)(1)(i): Where both runs of horizontal belts are seven (7) feet or less from the floor level, the guard shall extend to at least fifteen (15) inches above the belt or to a standard height, except that where both runs of a horizontal belt are 42 inches or less from the floor, the belt shall be fully enclosed in accordance with paragraphs (m) and (o) of this section.      On or about November 07, 2019 the McDonough Re-Saw located in the sawmill department did not have the belt and pulley that provides the power to run the saw guarded.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machine or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided. This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets.    Located on the south side of the De-Barker machine there were two area of the chain conveyor system that the chain and sprocket located approximately forty-five inches above walking working surface were unguarded.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(18)(i): Standards. Construction, operation, and maintenance of conveyors shall be in accordance with American National Standard B20.1-1957, which is incorporated by reference as specified in Sec. 1910.6.      The Edge Saw operator working in between two chain conveyor and handling wood as it is fed to the workstation exposed to caught-in hazards from the unguarded rotating chain tail pulleys.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $2,159 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(4)(iv): Elevated walks. All elevated walks, runways, or platforms, if 4 feet or more from the floor level, shall be provided with a standard railing except on loading or unloading sides of platforms. If height exceeds 6 feet, a standard toe board also shall be provided to prevent material from rolling or falling off.      On November 7, 2019 employees exposed to a four feet and greater fall hazard from a section of the De-Barker machine platform that did not have a guardrail.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

May 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.265(c)(5)(ii): Handrails. Stairways shall be provided with a standard handrail on at least one side or on any open side. Where stairs are more than four feet wide there shall be a standard handrail at each side, and where more than eight feet wide, a third standard handrail shall be erected in the center of the stairway.      a) Located in the main sawmill area, the stairs leading from the platform across the chain conveyor down to the Edge Saw work area did not have a handrail.    b) Located in the green Line department, the stairs leading from the platform on the east side of the green line chain conveyor did not have a handrail.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $4,048 · Current $1,619 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(a)(2)(ix): All lamps for general illumination shall be protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or lampholder with a guard. Brass shell, paper-lined sockets, or other metal-cased sockets may not be used unless the shell is grounded.    a) On or about November 7, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood two four-foot long overhead florescent tubes lights located over the work bench in the maintenance shop were not protected from accidental contact or breakage by a suitable fixture or guard.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jul 31, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.    a) The cord and plug that power 110 Ac Volt electric to the overhead lighting located in the Maintenance Shop had damage and the strain relief was pulled out of the plug fitting exposing wire conductor.    b) The 480 AC Volt electric wiring to the McDonough Re-Saw electric motor was pulled out from the strain relief exposing three wire conductors.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jun 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $9,446 · Current $3,778 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.332(b)(1): Practices addressed in this standard. Employees shall be trained in and familiar with the safety-related work practices required by 1910.331 through 1910.335 that pertain to their respective job assignments.    On November 15, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the employer did provide electrical safe work practice training to employees that perform work on live electrical equipment, located in the sawmill.  An employee opened a live 480 AC Volt electrical panel and applied a lockout device to the breaker. The employer did not ensure that the employee knew the proper working clearances were when opening electrical panels or what type of personal protective equipment to use to protect against arc flash and electric shock hazards during this lockout task.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jun 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.333(a)(2): "Energized parts." If the exposed live parts are not deenergized (i.e., for reasons of increased or additional hazards or infeasibility), other safety-related work practices shall be used to protect employees who may be exposed to the electrical hazards involved. Such work practices shall protect employees against contact with energized circuit parts directly with any part of their body or indirectly through some other conductive object. The work practices that are used shall be suitable for the conditions under which the work is to be performed and for the voltage level of the exposed electric conductors or circuit parts. Specific work practice requirements are detailed in paragraph (c) of this section.    On November 15, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility locatedat 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the maintenance employee worked in a 480 AC Volt electrical panel having live parts to flip and lockout breaker for service to the Head Saw.

Issued

Mar 16, 2020

Abate by

Jun 8, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.335(a)(1)(i): Employees working in areas where there are potential electrical hazards shall be provided with, and shall use, electrical protective equipment that is appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed.  Note: Personal protective equipment requirements are contained in subpart I of this part.    On November 15, 2019 at Kersten Lumber Co. Inc. facility located at 295 Hwy 45 Birnamwood; the employer did provide electrical protection equipment such as;  face shields, upper body protection and intrinsically safe tools for employees that perform work on and in electrical equipment, located in the sawmill.  An employee worked in a 480 AC Volt electrical panel having live parts and flipper breaker to apply lockout tagout device to the breaker for service to the Head Saw. No face shield, rated 8 calorie shirt or equivalent, or intrinsically safe hand tools was used to perform that task.