OSHA Inspection: TETTENS GRAIN INCORPORATED

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,500 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 July 31, 2020 and after, at the above address, an employee was performing work within grain bin 18 and an observer was not present when the employee was exposed to engulfment hazards  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $2,700 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4): The employer did not provide equipment for rescue operations, which was specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered:  On or about July 31, 2020 and after, at the above address, an employee was performing work within grain bin 18 and equipment for rescue was not provided while the employee was exposed to engulfment hazards.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $1,930 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(j)(1): The employer did not develop and implement a written housekeeping program that established the frequency and the method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces.  On or about August 17, 2020 and prior, at the above address, the employer did not implement a written housekeeping program resulting in a buildup of dust in the pit area and the storage room that exceeded 1/8 inch of dust exposing employees to a fire and explosion hazard.   Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $5,398 · Current $3,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(m)(1): The employer did not implement preventive maintenance procedures consisting of the requirements of (m)(1)(i) through (m)(1)(ii):  On or about August 17, 2020 and before, at the above address, the company did not implement preventative maintenance procedures to ensure the safe operation of equipment and to prevent failures of the grain handling operation. Employees were exposed to hazards, such as fires, with equipment failures.    Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $3,856 · Current $2,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.307(c)(3): Equipment was not safe for the location in that it was not of a type and design that the employer demonstrated would provide protection from the hazards arising from the combustibility and flammability of vapors, liquids, gases, dusts, or fibers involved.   On or about August 17, 2020, at the above address, electrical equipment, in the dump pit and storage room, had damaged light fixtures with exposed wires and grain dust on or near the fixtures exposing employees to fire and explosion hazards.    Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).

Issued

Nov 6, 2020

Abate by

Dec 15, 2020

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1): The employer did not provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards on the general safety precautions and specific procedures and safety practices listed in section (e)(1)(i) and (e)(1)(ii).  The employer does not train the employees on an annual basis about general safety precautions for hazards specific to the facility, including but not limited to housekeeping, and preventive maintenance.  Abatement certification is required for this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(c).