OSHA Inspection: KEARNY SMELTING & REFINING CORPORATION

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Abate by

Apr 10, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,731 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 in that workers were exposed to severe burns by molten metal:    a) Electric melting furnace area    Employees were exposed to burn hazards from molten metal while attempting to clear blockage from induction furnace.  On 11/11/19, an employee received burns to his hands, back and feet when he was splashed by molten metal after inserting 9 foot copper pipe filled with flux into induction furnace.      Violation occurred on or about 11/11/19

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Abate by

Apr 10, 2020

Penalty

Initial $4,626 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.25(b)(3): The employer did not ensure that the stairs had uniform riser heights and tread depths between the landings:    a) Electric Melting furnace area    Stairs used to access electric furnace platform were not uniform in height exposing employees to trip and/or fall hazards.    Condition observed on or about 11/14/19

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Abate by

Apr 10, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.25(c)(2): The employer did not ensure standard stairs have a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm):  a) Electric Melting furnace area  Stairs used to access electric furnace platform had a riser height of greater than 9.5 inches exposing employees to trip and/or fall hazards.   Condition observed on or about 11/14/19

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(6)(i): Employees less than 4 feet (1.2 m) above uncovered or unguarded dangerous equipment were not protected from falling into or onto the dangerous equipment by a guardrail system or a travel restraint system.    a) Electric Melting furnace area    Employee performing servicing operations who stood on edge of induction furnace was exposed to molten metal and severe burns as the worker was not protected from falls.      Condition observed on or about 11/14/19

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Abate by

Apr 10, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(c): Personal protective equipment was not of safe design and construction for the work to be performed:    a) Electric Melting Furnace Area    The employer did not require the use of molders shoes for employees who are exposed to the hazards of molten metal.  On 11/11/19, an employee received burns to his feet when the furnace erupted and molten metal landed in the employee's boots.       Condition occurred on or about 11/11/19

Issued

Feb 24, 2020

Abate by

Apr 10, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards were present, or were likely to be present, which necessitated the use of personal protective equipment:    a) Electric Melting Furnace Area    The employer's written workplace assessment did not identify the need for heat resistant gloves, aluminized sleeves/coats and molders shoes which are needed while working with molten metal.    On 11/11/19, an employee received burns to his hands, back and feet when the furnace erupted and molten metal splashed the operator who was attempting to unclog the furnace.        Condition observed on or about 11/14/19