OSHA Inspection: VALMONT INDUSTRIES, INC.

Issued

Oct 5, 2021

Abate by

Oct 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $11,703 · Current $7,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(3):29 CFR 1910.22(a)(3): The employer did not ensure that walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.  Plant #1. On or about April 08, 2021, and at times prior thereto, the walking-working surface around the hot dip galvanizing tanks were not free from loose wood flooring and corrosion. The employees were exposed to the hazards of slips and falls.   Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that employees are protected from slip and fall hazards.

Issued

Oct 5, 2021

Abate by

Oct 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $9,500 Reduced

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:  On or  about April 08, 2021, and at times prior thereto, employees were exposed to corrosive materials, including but not limited to, hydrochloric acid, caustic acid and were not provided with emergency eyewash and shower facilities for immediate use within the work area.  Employee(s) were exposed to hazards associated with corrosive chemicals.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that suitable quick drenching and eye flushing facilities are available.

Issued

Oct 5, 2021

Abate by

Oct 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $9,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(b)(3):Crane(s) were modified and such modifications and the supporting structure were not checked thoroughly for the new rated load by a qualified engineer or the equipment manufacturer:  On or about April 08, 2021, and at times prior thereto, the east and west  overhead bridge crane did not have the newly de-rated load capacity tested and documented by a qualified enginneer or equipment manufacuterer, prior to the use of the cranes.    Employees were exposed to struck-by hazards from the overhead crane and supporting structure.   Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all cranes are  properly load rated.

Issued

Oct 5, 2021

Abate by

May 31, 2022

Penalty

Initial $13,653 · Current $9,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.184(e)(2)(i):Hooks, rings, oblong links, pear shaped links, welded or mechanical coupling links or other attachments did not have a rated capacity at least equal to that of the alloy steel chain with which they were used or the sling was used in excess of the rated capacity of the weakest component.  On or about April 08, 2021, and at times prior thereto, 9 gauge wire attachment used as a sling did not have an equal capacity as the 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch alloy steel chain. Employees were exposed to struck-by hazards from falling material.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that connections and couplings had a rated capacity at least equal to the alloy chain in use.

Issued

Oct 5, 2021

Abate by

Oct 27, 2021

Penalty

Initial $136,532 · Current $95,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.179(l)(3)(i):Unsafe condition(s) disclosed during the frequent or periodic inspection(s) required by 29 CFR 1910.179(j) were not corrected before operation of the crane(s) was resumed:   Plant #2. On or about April 08, 2021, and at times prior thereto, severe corrosion and degradation was identified for the east and west bridge crane(s) runway components and supporting structure during the frequent and periodic inspection and corrections were not made before operation of the crane(s) was resumed. Employees were exposed to struck-by hazards from the overhead crane and supporting structure.  Pursuant to 29 C.F.R. 1903.19, within ten (10) calendar days of the abatement date, the employer must submit documentation showing that it is in compliance with the standard, including describing the steps that it is taking to ensure that all identified unsafe conditions are corrected before operations are resumed.