OSHA Inspection: THE MINOOKA GRAIN, LUMBER AND SUPPLY COMPANY

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $2892.00 · Current $2270.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.29(b)(2)(i): Mid-rails were not installed at a height midway between the top edge of the guiderail system and the walking-working surface:    On or about January 23, 2020 the employer did not have mid-rails on the platform located on the outside of bin 20.  Employees accessing the platform were exposed to fall hazards of approximately 21 feet.       Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4048.00 · Current $3175.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1):  The employer shall provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards. Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work, shall be trained in at least the following:    (i)  General safety precautions associated with the facility, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations and common ignition sources such as smoking; and,    (ii)  Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures.    On or about January 23, 2020 the employer did not adequately train employees on an annual basis or train employees specific to the hazards associated with the job tasks being performed.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4048.00 · Current $3175.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(3): An observer, equipped to provide assistance, shall be stationed outside the bin, silo, or tank being entered by an employee. Communications (visual, voice, or signal line) shall be maintained between the observer and employee entering the bin, silo, or tank.    On or about January 23, 2020 employees were required to work in silo 20 and the employer did not ensure that the observer was outside the door and able to provide assistance to the employees working in the silo.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(5): The employee acting as observer shall be trained in rescue procedures, including notification methods for obtaining additional assistance.    On or about January 23, 2020 the employer did not train the observer on the rescue procedures to be performed in the event of an engulfment.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $4048.00 · Current $3180.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer shall provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered.    On or about January 23, 2020 the employer unsuccessfully attempted a self-rescue of an employee that was engulfed in grain. The employer did not have the suitable rescue equipment to perform a self-rescue.     Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $26987.00 · Current $21600.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(1)(iv): "Walking down grain" and similar practices where an employee walks on grain to make it flow within or out from a grain storage structure, or where an employee is on moving grain, are prohibited.    On or about January 23, 2020 employees were exposed to engulfment hazards while working in silo 20 breaking up and moving grain to make it flow to the silo chute/spout.  An employee was engulfed in flowing grain during the operation.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

2020-05-15 00:00:00

Abate by

2020-06-15 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $26987.00 · Current $21600.00 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(2): Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employer shall equip the employee with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain's chair that meets the requirements of subpart D of this part. The lifeline shall be so positioned, and of sufficient length, to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain.    On or about January 23, 2020 employees entered silo 20 and were not equipped with a body harness and a lifeline.  Employees entering the silo were exposed to engulfment hazards.      Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).