OSHA Inspection: TOWER PALLET COMPANY, INC

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,441 · Current $1,721 Reduced

Hazardous substances W103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.132(a): Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:    On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not enforce eye protection for employees.  Employees were exposed to injuries and impairment of the eyes from wood chips and sawdust while on the production floor manufacturing wooden pallets.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $6,882 · Current $3,441 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.178(q)(1): Any power-operated industrial truck not in safe operating condition was not taken out of service, and/or repairs were not made by authorized personnel:    a.  On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not ensure that #7 Toyota model 8FBCU20 forklift, with leaking hydraulic fluid, was taken out of service and repaired.  The hydraulic lines were leaking fluid exposing employees to slip hazards from the leaked fluid.    b.   On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not ensure that GNB Charger Equipment #127, with damage to the power cables, was taken out of service and repaired.  The insulation on the positive and negative lines of the electrical cord used to charge the battery of Toyota forklift #15 was cut exposing employees to shock hazards from the conductors.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $4,588 · Current $2,294 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.303(b)(1): Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:    On or about January 16, 2020, an electrical cord was not free from a recognized hazard.  The extension cord used to power the sawdust roller on the Viking Duo-max Equipment #15 pallet stacker was damaged in two places exposing employees to shock hazards.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Flexible cords and/ or cables were used for purposes prohibited by paragraphs (A) through (F) of 29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(a):  On or about January 16, 2020, a flexible cord was used as permanent wiring to power the sawdust roller attached to the Viking Duo Max Equipment #115 exposing employees to shock and fire hazards.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,441 · Current $1,721 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(6)(ii): Workplace labeling.  Except as provided in paragraphs (f)(7) and (f)(8) of this section, the employer shall ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace is labeled, tagged or marked with product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals.    On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not ensure that spray containers of chemicals were labeled, tagged or marked with product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof.  The plastic containers had a mixture of Sodium Hypochlorite and water, which the employees would use to prevent mold buildup on the boards.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.36(a)(3): A self-closing fire door did not remain closed and did not automatically close in an emergency upon the sounding of a fire alarm or employee alarm system.  On or about January 16, 2020, the self-closing fire door, on the west side of the facility near the forklift battery chargers, did not automatically close due to the door closer being broken.

Issued

Apr 24, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances W103

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.134(c)(2)(i): Respirator users were not provided with the information contained in Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.134 when the employer determined that any voluntary respirator use was permissible:  On or about January 16, 2020, the employer did not provide the information contained in Appendix D to 29 CFR 1910.134 to employees using a respirator voluntarily.  Employees wear filtering facepiece respirators when exposed to dusty conditions during the production of wooden pallets.