OSHA Inspection: FOUNDATION FOOD GROUP, INC.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8582.00 · Current $8582.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(3): The employer did not ensure that walking-working surfaces were maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.  a - On or about February 3, 2021, at Plant 4, in Line 4 packout area, the employer exposed employees to trip hazards as walking-working surfaces were not properly maintained, in that three (3) bolts protruded from the floor surface.   b - On or about February 3, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 3 packout area, the employer exposed employees to trip hazards as walking-working surfaces were not properly maintained, in that a metal plate protruded from the floor surface.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $8582.00 · Current $8582.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.25(b)(3): The employer did not ensure that stairs had uniform riser heights and tread depths between landings.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, ammonia engine room #1 exit stairs, the employer exposed employees to trip hazards as stairs were not uniform. The first riser of the stairs, leading into the building, was 13 1/2 inches and all other stair riser heights were 8 inches.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.25(c)(2): The employer did not ensure that standard stairs had a maximum riser height of 9.5 inches (24 cm).   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, ammonia engine room #1 exit stairs, the employer exposed employees to trip hazards as the first riser on the stairs was approximately 13 1/2 inches in height.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.36(g)(2): Exit access(es) were not at least 28 inches (71.1 cm) wide at all points.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 3 packout area, the employer exposed employees to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies as work platforms and conveyor equipment protruded into exit routes reducing access to 8 inches to 15 inches wide.   b - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, at Line 2, the employer exposed employees to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies as a conveyor and tote blocked the exit route.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(a)(3): Exit route(s) were not kept free and unobstructed.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Dry Storage Warehouse, the employer exposed employees to fire and chemical hazards as egress routes were not free and unobstructed. Pallets of products and boxes blocked egress routes.   b - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in production at Line 2, the employer exposed employees to fire and chemical hazards as egress routes were not free and unobstructed. Two exits were blocked with equipment and totes.   c - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, between the Cooked (Ready To Eat) and the Raw sides, the employer exposed employees to fire and chemical hazards as egress routes were not free and unobstructed. A gate was welded shut in the main route of egress.   d - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, at the Shipping Dock, the employer exposed employees to fire and chemical hazards as egress routes were not free and unobstructed. The exit was blocked with product totes on pallets.  e - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 Freezer room, employees were exposed to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies due to restricted route of egress from the manifold side of the freezer. Employees had to climb under equipment in an effort to exit from behind the freezer. One route was limited in height to 3.1 ft. and the second route under a platform was 4.4 ft. in height.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $10728.00 · Current $10728.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(1): Each exit route was not adequately lighted so that an employee with normal vision can see along the exit route.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the vicinity of the Line 4 freezer, the employer exposed employees to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies as exit routes were not provided with adequate lighting in the event of an emergency.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(6): Each exit sign was not illuminated to a surface value of at least five foot-candles (54 lux) by a reliable light source and be distinctive in color.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, employees were exposed to hazards associated with fire and chemical emergencies during an emergency as the employer did not ensure exit signs in the facility were illuminated.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $10728.00 · Current $10728.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(d)(1): The employer did not assess the workplace to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, Lines 2 and 4, the employer exposed employees to chemical hazards as a hazard assessment was not performed for employees exposed to liquid nitrogen in freezers at the facility.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(2): The employer did not inform exposed employees, by posting danger signs or by any other equally effective means, of the existence and location of, and the danger posed by the permit spaces:  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, the employer exposed employees to mechanical, thermal and asphyxiation hazards as employees were not informed, by posting danger signs or by any other means, that the Immersion freezer tub and areas in the Spiral freezer were permit required confined spaces.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(4): When the employer decided that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space entry program that complied with 29 CFR 1910.146:   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 2 and the Line 4 liquid nitrogen freezers, the employer exposed employees to mechanical, thermal and asphyxiation hazards as a written permit space program was not implemented for employees who entered permit confined space areas within the liquid nitrogen freezers.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(8): When an employer (host employer) arranged to have employees of another employer (contractor) perform work that involves permit space entry, the host employer did not comply with the requirements specified in section 1910.146(c)(8)(i) through (v):    a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, the employer exposed employees to mechanical, thermal and asphyxiation hazards as Packers Sanitation Services, Inc., Ltd. (PSSI) (contractor) employees who entered the permit required confined spaces (PRCS) within the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Immersion/Spiral freezer for cleaning and sanitation, were not informed of Foundation Food Group, Inc.'s, (host employer) permit space requirements.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A): Authorized employee(s) did not receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, Plant 4, were exposed to thermal, gravitational, mechanical and chemical hazards while performing service and maintenance work to on the Line 4 Immersion/Spiral freezer as the employer did not provide adequate lockout training to employees.  b - On or about January 28, 2021, at the worksite Foundation Food Group, Inc., located at 2076 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, GA, Plant 4, employees were exposed to thermal, gravitational, mechanical and chemical hazards, while performing service and maintenance work to on the Line 2 Spiral freezer as the employer did not provide adequate lockout training to employees.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(d): The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) did not cover the actions listed in and was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1)-(6).  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 Immersion/Spiral freezer the employer exposed employees to thermal, asphyxiation, and mechanical hazards as lockout was not utilized by authorized employees to control hazardous energies while performing servicing and maintenance in the Line 4 Immersion/Spiral freezer.    b - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the Line 2 Spiral freezer, the employer exposed employees to thermal, asphyxiation, and mechanical hazards as lockout was not utilized by authorized employees to control hazardous energies while performing servicing and maintenance in the Line 2 Spiral freezer.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(2)(i): When outside servicing personnel were engaged in activities in a facility, the onsite employer and the outside employer did not inform each other of their respective lockout or tagout procedures.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, the employer exposed employees to mechanical, thermal and asphyxiation hazards while servicing the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Immersion/Spiral freezer as the employer did not ensure its employees understood and complied with requirements of the outside employer's energy control program.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $10728.00 · Current $10728.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.151(c): Where employees were exposed to injurious corrosive materials, suitable facilities for quick drenching or flushing of the eyes and body were not provided within the work area for immediate emergency use.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4 in the chemical dispensing area on the back dock, employees were exposed to corrosive chemical hazards while dispensing, mixing, and using corrosive chemicals as the employer did not ensure an emergency eye wash was provided.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(f)(6)(ii): Except as provided in 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(7) and 29 CFR 1910.1200(f)(8), the employer did not ensure that each container of hazardous chemicals in the workplace was labeled, tagged or marked with the product identifier and words, pictures, symbols, or combination thereof, which provide at least general information regarding the hazards of the chemicals and which, in conjunction with the other information immediately available to employees under the hazard communication program, would provide employees with the specific information regarding the physical and health hazards of the hazardous chemical.  a - On or about January 27, 2021, at Plant 4, in the Line 4 freezer room, the employer exposed employees to asphyxiation hazards as the Immersion/Spiral freezers were not labeled, tagged or marked with nitrogen identifiers, words, pictures, symbols or a combination thereof, to provide at least general information regarding the hazards of nitrogen.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $13653.00 · Current $13653.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(g)(8):  The employer did not maintain in the workplace copies of the required safety data sheets for each hazardous chemical, and did not ensure that they were readily accessible during each work  shift to employees when they were in their work area(s):  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4 production areas, the employer exposed employees to chemical hazards when a new chemical was introduced to the work place and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) was not provided to employees. The facility began to use liquid nitrogen in May, 2020 but did not make the SDS available to employees.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $136532.00 · Current $136532.00

General-duty citation text

Section 5(a)(1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970: 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 employees were exposed to thermal and asphyxiation hazards created by the use of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor in freezer systems.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, Employees were exposed to thermal and asphyxiation injuries or death caused by hazards resulting from the uncontrolled release of liquid nitrogen and nitrogen vapor from the liquid nitrogen system, including but not limited to the Line 2 freezer equipment, the Line 4 freezer equipment, and the storage tanks, that was not operated in a manner that would protect employees from serious injuries and death.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-09-08 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $136532.00 · Current $136532.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures were not developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees were engaged in activities covered by this section.  a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer exposed employees to thermal, chemical and mechanical hazards as specific lockout procedures were not developed and documented by authorized employees performing servicing and maintenance on the liquid nitrogen Line 4 Immersion/Spiral freezer.    b - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer exposed employees to thermal, chemical and mechanical hazards as specific lockout procedures were not developed and documented by authorized employees servicing and maintaining the Line 2 Spiral freezer.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $136532.00 · Current $136532.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(2)(ii): The employer did not provide information to the employees on operations in their work area where hazardous chemicals were present:   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer exposed employees to asphyxiation hazards while performing work duties around the freezers as information on liquid nitrogen, an asphyxiate, used as a refrigerant in the Line 2 Spiral Freezer and the Line 4 liquid nitrogen Spiral/Immersion Freezer was not provided.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(3)(i): The employee training did not include the methods and observations used to detect the presence or release of a hazardous chemical in the work area.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, on Lines 2 and 4, the employer exposed employees to asphyxiation hazards as employees were not trained on the methods and observations used to detect the presence or release of liquid nitrogen, used as a refrigerant in freezers, as required by the hazard communication standard.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 1900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(3)(ii): Employee training did not include the physical and health hazards of the chemicals in the work area:   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer exposed employees to asphyxiation hazards as training on the physical and health hazards of liquid nitrogen, used as a refrigerant, and dry ice, was not provided as required by the hazard communication standard.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 01701900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(h)(3)(iii): Employee training did not include the measures employees can take to protect themselves from chemical hazards, including specific procedures the employer had implemented to protect employees from exposure to hazardous chemicals, such as appropriate work practices, emergency procedures and personal protective equipment to be used.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer exposed employees to asphyxiation hazards as training was not provided in emergency procedures where liquid nitrogen and anhydrous ammonia were utilized.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.37(b)(2): Each exit was not clearly visible and marked by a sign reading "Exit".   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4 Marination room, the emergency evacuation map identified an exit down a hallway in the room; however, the employer did not ensure the door was marked as an exit.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(5)(ii): Lockout devices and tagout devices were not singularly identified.  a - On or about March 4, 2021, at the liquid nitrogen tanks located at the front of Plant 4, the employer did not ensure lockout devices were singularly identified.

Issued

2021-07-22 00:00:00

Abate by

2021-08-17 00:00:00

Penalty

Initial $0.00 · Current $0.00

Hazardous substances 01701900

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.1200(e)(1)(i): The employer did not compile a list of the hazardous chemicals known to be present using a product identifier that was referenced on the appropriate safety data sheet.   a - On or about January 28, 2021, at Plant 4, the employer did not ensure the list of hazardous chemicals compiled by the company included liquid nitrogen used as a refrigerant in freezers.