OSHA Inspection: RENK SEED CO.

Issued

Aug 5, 2022

Abate by

Aug 31, 2022

Penalty

Initial $10,151 · Current $8,000 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:  Employees engaged in agriculture activities specific to spring seed planting at the Armstrong GP farm located at 350 West M Road, Brule, Nebraska were exposed to crushing and struck-by hazards when performing work behind the tractor pulled John Deere DB120 Planter.     AMONG OTHER METHODS, FEASIBLE AND ACCEPTABLE ABATEMENT METHODS TO CORRECT THIS HAZARD ARE:  1) Ensure employees working behind tractors and planters wear high visibility clothing.  2) Verify if the vehicles and planters involved with planting are equipped backup cameras (where blind spots exist) and audible backing alert systems.   3) Develop a hazard assessment for the operational procedures associated with assisting customers during planting of seed.   4) Develop an operational procedure to address assisting customers during planting of seed and provide training to affected personnel on the new procedure.  5) Ensure employees use of active communication devices such as two-way handheld radios with farm equipment operators.  6) Provide employees with training on: the recognition and prevention of hazards related to agriculture work.