OSHA Inspection: ZOOK MOLASSES COMPANY

Issued

Aug 2, 2022

Abate by

Sep 19, 2022

Penalty

Initial $10,151 · Current $6,598 Reduced

General-duty citation text

Alleged Violation Description	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, in that employees were exposed to struck-by hazards associated with inadequately maintained racking systems:  a) Warehouse, 4960 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA - On or about February 2, 2022, employees were working and operating forklifts within the vicinity of a commercial steel racking system which had visible damage: deflected/bent columns, bent cross bracing/diagonal bracing, deflected beams. The racking system was used to store heavy totes exposing employees to struck-by hazards.  Among other methods, one feasible and acceptable abatement methods to correct this hazard are to follow:  1) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI)-ANSI-RMI MH 16:1-2012, "Specification for the Design, Testing and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks."   Section 1.4.1 Owner Maintenance: The owner shall maintain the structural integrity of the installed rack system by assuring proper operational, housekeeping, and maintenance procedures including, but not limited to the following:   (2) Regularly inspect for damage. If damage is found, immediately isolate the affected area. Have a storage rack design professional evaluate the damage, and unload, replace or repair if directed by the professional, any damaged columns, beams, or other structural components to restore the system to at least its original design capacity.  Section 1.4.9 Rack Damage: Upon any visible damage, the pertinent portions of the rack shall be immediately isolated by the user until the damaged portion is evaluated by a storage rack design professional. Before allowing the rack to be placed back into service the design professional must certify that the rack system and/or the repaired components have been restored to at least their original design capacity (ANSI MH 16.1-2012, 1.4.9). The damaged racks should be replaced. As soon as damage occurs, or the column twisted or distorted, the rack should be unloaded and the rack section removed and replaced with new upright section (ANSI MH 16.2-1984, 3.11).  2) Implement safeguards against the consequences of minor collisions in accordance with the recommendations from the Commentary to ANSI MH16:1 -2012, which include installing fenders or bumpers on steel storage racks, and/or reinforcing the bottom portion of the front column and/or bracing the frame.

Issued

Aug 2, 2022

Penalty

Initial $7,252 · Current $4,714 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.178(q)(7): Industrial truck was not removed from service after an examination showed a condition adversely affecting the safety of the vehicle:  a) Warehouse, 4960 Horseshoe Pike, Honey Brook, PA - On or about February 2, 2022, the employer did not remove a powered industrial truck (Clark TMG20) from service, when it was found to be unsafe and in need of repair, in that there was an inoperable headlight, thereby exposing employees to struck-by hazards.