OSHA Inspection: GENERAL ALUMINUM MFG. COMPANY

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Sep 25, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1):The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which was free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees in that employees were exposed to burn and explosion hazards:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, employees were exposed to burn and explosion hazards due to the presence of water at Cast Machine #18.  The water lines cooling the molds at the cast machine were leaking, causing water to pool on the floor of the north deck and on the ground at the furnace. Employees who operated the cast machine and who performed pouring tasks at the furnace were exposed to burn injuries in that molten aluminum was poured near the water and debris between the mold halves can cause molten aluminum to leak as the cast machine closes.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $9,116 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.23(b)(8): The employer did not ensure that ladders are used only for the purposes for which they were designed.  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 27, 2022, employees were exposed to an approximate 81-inch fall hazard when using a portable step ladder to access the top platen of cast machine 12.   The portable step ladder was not used in a way in which it was designed in that it was used to gain access to an upper landing surface.   b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 15, 2022, employees were exposed to an approximate 80-inch fall hazard when using a portable step ladder to access the top platen of cast machine 10.   The portable step ladder was not used in a way in which it was designed in that it was used to gain access to an upper landing surface.   In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $11,396 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.132(a):Protective equipment was not used when necessary whenever hazards capable of causing injury and impairment were encountered:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio:  On or about February 10, 2022, the employer failed to ensure melt department employees were provided with and wore protective equipment that would protect against burns from molten aluminum to torso, arms, and legs.  Employees in the melt department who perform tasks such as, but not limited to, tap metal from the furnace to the transfer ladle, pour metal from the transfer ladles, and skim ladles, were exposed to severe thermal burns from molten aluminum splashes.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $14,502

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. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, located below the Empire casting machines on the North and South Decks, the employer did not inform exposed employees by posting danger signs or any other equally effective means of the existence and location of and the danger posed under the casting machines, a permit-required confined space, thereby exposing employees to caught-between, burn, and heat-related illness.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(4):When the employer decides that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer shall develop and implement a written permit space entry program that complied with 29 CFR 1910.146:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 12, 2022, the employer had not developed a written permit space program that addressed the required standard elements for full body entry under the Empire casting machines when performing activities for service and maintenance within the space, thereby exposing employees to caught-in and burn hazards. With respect to the spaces located under the casting machines, the company's confined space written procedures lacked the development of items such as, but not limited to, the following:   i. Specific measures necessary to prevent unauthorized entry into the space under the casting machines as required by 1910.146(d)(1); ii. Specific means, procedures, and practices necessary for specifying acceptable conditions for entry under the casting machines as required by 1910.146(d)(3)(i); iii. Specific means, procedures, and practices necessary for verifying that conditions in the spaces under the casting machines are acceptable for entry throughout the duration of an authorized entry as required by 1910.146(d)(3)(vi); iv. Specific designation of the persons who are to have active roles in operations for entering the space under the casting machines as required by 1910.146(d)(8); v. Specific procedures for summoning rescue and emergency services to the space under the casting machines, for rescuing entrants from the space, for providing necessary emergency services to employees rescued from the space, and for preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue into the space as required by 1910.146(d)(9); vi. Specific procedures for reviewing entry operations into the space under the casting machines when the employer has reason to believe that the measures taken under the permit space program may not protect employees and revising the program to correct deficiencies found to exit before subsequent entries are authorized as required by 1910.146(d)(13); vii. Specific procedures for reviewing the permit space program's effectiveness for the space under the casting machines using cancelled permits and revising the program as necessary as required by 1910.146(d)(14).  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(d)(3)(iii): Under the permit-required confined space program required by 29 CFR 1910.146(c)(4), the employer did not develop and implement the means, procedures, and practices necessary for safe permit space entry operations, including, but not limited to, isolating the permit space:   a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 12, 2022, the employer had not developed and implemented the means, procedures, and practices necessary for isolating the space under the Empire casting machines (a permit-required confined space) from multiple hazards prior to allowing employees to fully enter the space to perform stack-up, repairs and preventative maintenance activities, thereby exposing the employees to caught-between, burn, and heat-related illness.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(e)(1): Before entry was authorized, the employer did not document the completion of measures required by 29 CFR 1910.146(d)(3) by preparing an entry permit:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 12, 2022, the employer did not prepare an entry permit prior to allowing casting operators to fully enter the space below the Empire casting machines (a permit-required confined space) to perform stack up for service and maintenance,  thereby exposing the employees to caught-between hazards from the furnace closing in on an employee while in the space, thermal burns, and heat-related illness hazards.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(g)(1): The employer did not provide training so that all employees whose work was regulated by this section acquired the understanding, knowledge, and skills necessary for the safe performance of the duties assigned under 29 CFR 1910.146:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 12, 2022, the employer had not provided casting machine operators with the necessary permit-required confined space training prior to allowing an operator to fully enter the space below the Empire casting machines (a permit-required confined space) to perform stack up for service and maintenance, thereby exposing the employees to caught-between hazards from the furnace closing in on an employee while in the space, thermal burns, and heat-related illness hazards.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification. This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(7)(i):The employer did not provide adequate training to ensure that the purpose and function of the energy control program was understood by employees:   a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 8, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees who service and maintain casting machines such as, but not limited to, Empire cast machine #18, were trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls.  Employees who unjammed metal sprues from the die were not trained to isolate and/or render energy sources safe prior to performing servicing tasks.     b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 27, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees who service and maintain casting machines such as, but not limited to, Empire cast machine #12, were trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls.  Employees who performed preventative maintenance inspections were not trained to isolate and/or render energy sources safe prior to performing the maintenance task.     c. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 18, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees who service and maintain casting machines such as, but not limited to, Empire cast machine #10, were trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls.  Employees who performed die change activities were not trained to isolate and/or render energy sources safe prior to performing the setup task.     d. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about April 6, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees who service and maintain casting machines such as, but not limited to, Empire cast machine #6, were trained in the skills required for the safe application, usage, and removal of energy controls.  Employees who performed die change activities were not trained to isolate and/or render energy sources safe prior to performing the setup task.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Mar 26, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,396 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.178(a)(4):Modifications and additions which affect capacity and safe operation of powered industrial truck were performed by the employer without the manufacturer's prior written approval:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, the employer did not obtain approval from the forklift manufacturer before adding a transfer ladle attachment to Caterpillar forklift #32184 (model 2EP1100; s/n FN508277). Employees who used the forklift to transport and pour molten aluminum metal were exposed to tip-over and burn injuries in that modifications and additions affect the safe operation of the truck. 	 b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 3, 2022, the employer did not obtain approval from the forklift manufacturer before adding a transfer ladle attachment to Caterpillar forklift #32185 (model 2EP1100; s/n FN508276).  Employees who used the forklift to transport and pour molten aluminum metal were exposed to tip-over and burn injuries in that modifications and additions affect the safe operation of the truck.  c. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 2, 2022, the employer did not obtain approval from the forklift manufacturer before modifying the length of the forks to 90-inches on Caterpillar forklift #15 (model 2EC30; s/n A2EC362984). Employees that used the forklift to clean the furnace in the melt department were exposed to tip-over hazards in that modifications and additions affect the safe operation of the truck.    d. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 2, 2022, the employer did not obtain approval from the forklift manufacturer before adding a 19-foot-long boom front-end attachment to Caterpillar forklift #15 (model 2EC30; s/n A2EC362984).   Employees that used the forklift to clean the furnace in the melt department were exposed to tip-over and burn injuries in that modifications and additions affect the safe operation of the truck.    In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Mar 26, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.178(a)(5):The powered industrial truck was equipped with front-end attachments other than factory installed attachments, however the employer did not request that the truck be marked to identify the attachments and show the approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, the employer did not ensure that Caterpillar forklift #32184 (model 2EP1100; s/n FN508277) used in the melt department to transport and pour molten aluminum metal, was marked to include the front-end rotator attachment showing the capacity and approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.  A potential for the forklift to be tipped over as a result of being overloaded exposed employees to crushing and burn hazards. 	 b.  General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 3, 2022, the employer did not ensure that Caterpillar forklift #32185 (model 2EP1100; s/n FN508276) used in the melt department to transport and pour molten aluminum metal, was marked to include the front-end rotator attachment showing the capacity and approximate weight of the truck and attachment combination at maximum elevation with load laterally centered.  A potential for the forklift to be tipped over as a result of being overloaded exposed employees to crushing and burn hazards.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $9,116 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.178(p)(1):Powered industrial truck(s) found to be in need of repair, defective, or in any way unsafe had not been  taken out of service until restored to safe operating condition(s):  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, the employer did not ensure Caterpillar forklift #32184 was removed from service during a time in which it was not in safe operating condition.  A malfunctioning accelerator pedal resulted in the lift suddenly shutting down, exposing employees to unstable/spilled loads of molten aluminum.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $13,674 · Current $14,502

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:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company  - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 8, 2022, the employer did not ensure the quench tank table, located at Cast machine #18, was guarded to protect employees from a pinch point created between the quench tank  housing and the rising table.   b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company  - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 22, 2022, the employer did not ensure the moving retriever table, associated with Cast Machine #6, was guarded to protect employees from pinch points hazards.  Employees were exposed to injury from pinch points created between the moving table and the cast machine's stationary frame, and between the table and its support frame when the table retracts.   c. General Aluminum Mfg. Company  - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about April 4, 2022, the employer did not ensure the moving retriever table, associated with Cast Machine #7, was guarded to protect employees from pinch points hazards.  Employees were exposed to injury from pinch points created between the moving table and the cast machine's stationary frame, and between the table and its support frame when the table retracts.   d. General Aluminum Mfg. Company  - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 15, 2022, located at the parts conveyor belt exiting Finishing Cell 14, there was a gap of approximately one inch at the end roller of the conveyor exposing employees to caught-in hazards of the ingoing nip point.     In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $9,116 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1):Sufficient access and working space was not provided and maintained about all electric equipment (operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground) to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 11, 2022, the employer did not ensure that access to the 480-volt electrical panel associated with x-ray 21, was maintained.  The area in front of the electrical equipment was blocked by the equipment's control station staged directly in front of the panel, hindering/preventing an employee's ability to access the equipment in the event of an emergency or perform work on the panels as needed.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Sep 25, 2023

Penalty

Initial $11,396 · Current $14,502

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.333(a):Safety-related work practices were not employed to prevent electric shock or other injuries resulting from either direct or indirect electrical contacts, when work was performed near or on equipment or circuits which were or could be energized:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 18, 2022, the employer did not develop and implement electrical safety related work practices which cover employees exposed to live electrical conductors while performing electrical work.  Employees responsible for performing electrical tests in 480-volt electrical distribution cabinets for cast machine #6, were exposed to hazards in that electrical safe work practices were not employed to prevent electrical shock and/or arc flash/blast injuries.  b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 11, 2022, the employer did not develop and implement electrical safety related work practices which cover employees exposed to live electrical conductors while performing electrical work. Employees responsible for performing electrical tests in 480-volt electrical distribution cabinets for for X-Ray 21, were exposed to hazards in that electrical safe work practices were not employed to prevent electrical shock and/or arc flash/blast injuries.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Sep 25, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.335(a)(1): Employees working in areas where there were potential electrical hazards were not provided with, and/or did not use, electrical protective equipment that was appropriate for the specific parts of the body to be protected and for the work to be performed:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 18, 2022, the employer did not ensure workers, verifying the absence of electrical energy in a 480-volt electrical distribution cabinet for cast machine #6, were provided with and used electrical protective equipment for the hands.  An employee(s) preparing to change glow bars at the machine was exposed to electrical shock and arc flash hazards while performing the electrical verification test.  b.  General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 11, 2022, the employer did not ensure workers, troubleshooting and verifying the absence of electrical energy in a 480-volt electrical distribution cabinet for X-Ray 21, were provided with and used electrical protective equipment for the hands.  An employee(s) was exposed to electrical shock and arc flash hazards while testing for voltages.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

Jun 26, 2023

Penalty

Initial $136,736 · Current $145,027

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(1)(i):29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):  Except as provided elsewhere in this section 29 CFR 1910.28, the employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the systems described in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 25, 2022, the employer did not ensure employees who accessed the top of furnaces such as, but not limited to, the Cast Machine 22 furnace, were protected from fall hazards.  Employees were exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 77 inches when working on top of the furnace to replace riser tubes.  b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 17, 2022, the employer did not ensure employees who accessed the top of furnaces such as, but not limited to, the Cast Machine 22 furnace, were protected from fall hazards.  Employees were exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 77 inches when working on top of the furnace to replace riser tubes.  c. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 19, 2022, the employer did not ensure employees who accessed the top of furnaces such as, but not limited to, the Cast Machine 5 furnace, were protected from fall hazards.  Employees were exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 60 inches when working on top of the furnace to replace riser tubes.  d. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio:  On or about February 10, 2022, the employer did not ensure employees who accessed the top of furnaces such as, but not limited to, the Cast Machine 19 furnace, were protected from fall hazards.  Employees were exposed to a fall of approximately 60 inches when working on top of the furnace to remove the protection and riser tubes in preparation to clean the furnace.  e. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 17, 2022, the employer did not ensure employees who accessed the top of furnaces such as, but not limited to, the Cast Machine 6 furnace, were protected from fall hazards.  Employees were exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 60 inches when working on top of the furnace to do a stack-up.  f. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 22, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from fall hazards of approximately 88 inches when accessing the top of Trim Press 5 to remove a hydraulic pump.    g. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 27, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from fall hazards of approximately 81 inches when accessing the top platen of cast machine 12 to perform a quarterly preventative maintenance inspection.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $145,027 · Current $145,027

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. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 8, 2022, employees were exposed to crushing injury in that Empire Cast Machine #18 was not locked out prior to entering the hazard area between the machine's platens to unjam metal sprues from the die.  The employer did not ensure energy control application steps were implemented to control the machine's hydraulic energy source prior to the servicing tasks - the employer did not:  -	Turn off or shut down the equipment. -	Physically operate energy isolating devices to control energy sources and affix lockout device(s). -	Ensure that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy was relieved, disconnected, and rendered safe. -	Verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished.  b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 27, 2022, employees were exposed to crushing injury in that Empire Cast Machine #12 was not locked out prior to entering the hazard on top of the machine's upper platen to perform Ram Cylinder Safety preventative maintenance.  The employer did not ensure energy control application steps were implemented to control the machine's hydraulic energy source prior to the servicing tasks - the employer did not:  -	Turn off or shut down the equipment. -	Physically operate energy isolating devices to control energy sources and affix lockout device(s). -	Ensure that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy was relieved, disconnected, and rendered safe. -	Verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished.  c. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about March 18, 2022, employees were exposed to pinch point and crushing injury in that Empire Cast Machine #10 was not locked out prior to performing a mold change.  The employer did not ensure energy control application steps were implemented to control the machine's hydraulic energy source prior to the servicing tasks - the employer did not:  -	Turn off or shut down the equipment. -	Physically operate energy isolating devices to control energy sources and affix lockout device(s). -	Ensure that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy was relieved, disconnected, and rendered safe. -	Verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished.  d. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about April 6, 2022, employees were exposed to pinch point and crushing injury in that Empire Cast Machine #6 was not locked out prior to performing a mold change.  The employer did not ensure energy control application steps were implemented to control the machine's hydraulic energy source prior to the servicing tasks - the employer did not:  -	Turn off or shut down the equipment. -	Physically operate energy isolating devices to control energy sources and affix lockout device(s). -	Ensure that all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy was relieved, disconnected, and rendered safe. -	Verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment had been accomplished.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.

Issued

Aug 1, 2022

Abate by

May 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $79,761 · Current $145,027

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:  a. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 8, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from amputation injuries while operating the Northfield bandsaw #1.  The unused portion of the blade was left unguarded while cutting metal parts.  b. General Aluminum Mfg. Company - Wapakoneta, Ohio: On or about February 10, 2022, the employer did not ensure that employees were protected from amputation injuries while operating the MBD bandsaw #6 located on the south deck.  The unused portion of the blade was left unguarded while cutting metal parts.  General Aluminum Mfg. Company was previously cited for a violation of this Occupational Safety and Health standard 29 CFR 1910.212(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1543333, citation number 1, item number 2 and was affirmed as a final order on October 20, 2021 , with respect to a workplace located at 13663 Short Rd., Wapakoneta, Ohio 45895.  In accordance with 29 CFR 1903.19(d), abatement certification is required for this violation (using the CERTIFICATION OF CORRECTIVE ACTION WORKSHEET), and in addition, documentation demonstrating that abatement is complete must be included with your certification.  This documentation may include, but is not limited to, evidence of the purchase or repair of the equipment, photographic or video evidence, or written records.