OSHA Inspection: CHARLES A. ROGERS ENTERPRISES, INC.

Issued

Feb 10, 2020

Abate by

Apr 16, 2020

Penalty

Initial $8,096 · Current $4,858 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8111

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) Multi-Slide Department, on or about 1/15/2020: Operator working on Multi-Slide 35-1 was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 90.7% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 90.7% dose is approximately 89.3 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 1/15/2020 for 460 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 20 minutes not sampled. Employee was wearing ear buds for music.  Employer does not have hearing conservation program implemented.       b) Multi-Slide Department, on or about 1/15/2020: Operator working on Multi-Slide 820 was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 67.9% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 67.9% dose is approximately 87.2 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 1/15/2020 for 463 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 17 minutes not sampled Employee was wearing ear plugs.  Employer does not have hearing conservation program implemented.     c) Press Area, on or about 1/15/2020: A Punch Press Operator running Press No. 7 was exposed to continuous noise at a level of 70.6% of the dose of the OSHA permissible exposure limit.  The equivalent dBA for the 70.6% dose is approximately 87.5 dBA calculated as the 8 hour time weighted sound pressure level.  The sampling was conducted on 1/15/2020 for 471 minutes. Exposure calculations include a zero increment for the 9 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.