OSHA Inspection: ELGIN INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Aug 18, 2021

Abate by

Jan 18, 2022

Penalty

Initial $9,655 · Current $6,750 Reduced

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):   Grinding Department,  Banner Pushrod Welder Machine #2230 (Model X-4250, SN 7848).  On or about  February 24, 2021, a lead setup operator was performing a servicing and maintenance activity when he was inspecting/feeling with his hand in an effort to determine if the machine was feeding two rods at a time into an air-driven clamp, which was causing the machine to stop running.  The employee activated a control panel button to put the machine in manual mode before reaching into the danger zone of the air-driven clamp, but did not deenergize and lock out the machine, including the air supply for the clamp.  There was no alternative protection, such as machine guarding, to protect the setup operator from amputation hazards created by the unexpected movement or startup of the clamp.  The employer did not require setup operators to follow established lockout/tagout procedures for inspections and adjustments and energize and lockout the machine in the following sequence:      (1) prepare for shutdown, (2) shut down machine or equipment, (3) physically locate and operate energy isolating devices in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source, (4) affix lockout or tagout devices to each energy isolating device by authorized employee, (5) relieve, disconnect, restrain or otherwise render safe all stored or residual energy, (6) verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished:  Abatement documentation is required for this item in accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Aug 18, 2021

Penalty

Initial $19,311 · Current $6,750 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not provided to protect the operator and other employees in the machine area from hazards such as those created by point of operation, ingoing nip points, rotating parts, flying chips and sparks:   Grinding Department,  Banner Pushrod Welder Machine #2230 (Model X-4250, SN7848).  On or about  February 24, 2021, the employer did not provide adequate guarding on the machine to prevent the operator from getting hands/fingers caught in the clamp that holds the rods for welding, exposing the employee to amputation hazards.  Elgin Industries, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this safety and health standard or its equivalent standard which was contained in OSHA Inspection Number 1420085, Citation Number 1, Item Number 1 and was affirmed as a final order on January 2, 2020 with respect to a workplace located at 1100 Jansen Farm Drive, Elgin, IL 60123.  There is no abatement documentation or certification required for this item.