OSHA Inspection: PAUL MUELLER COMPANY

Issued

Aug 24, 2021

Abate by

Dec 20, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $9,557 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):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.   The employer is failing to protect employees from potential permanent disabling injuries such as but not limited to broken bones or death resulting from struck-by and crushing hazards. The Ransome Welding Positioner  model 40P was equipped with a modified attachment, which was not part of the original equipment. This was most recently documented on March 17, 2021 at the workplace located at 1600 West Phelps Street, Springfield, Missouri. An employee was seriously injured while operating a Ransome Welding positioner, model 40P, serial number 181015 in bay 1, with an attachment welded to the positioner face limiting part securement to a damaged bolt.  The bolt sheared and the stock being worked fell onto the employee.   AMONG OTHER METHODS, FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE ABATEMENT METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE:  1. Ensure that all aftermarket attachments and repairs or modifications made to the machine are approved and installed by the manufacture or  a qualified engineer.  2. Ensure that any attachment being used on the machine has the weight and capacity limits of the attachment clearly defined and communicated to employees.   3. Train employees to recognize deficiencies, broken or modified parts that may result in the Ransome Welding positioner model 40P serial number 181015 to operate in an unsafe manner, and to report to management those deficiencies, broken or modified parts.    4. Restrict employees from repairing or modifying equipment unless approved by the manufacture or a qualified engineer.