OSHA Inspection: SOLGEN POWER, LLC

Issued

Nov 22, 2022

Abate by

Feb 16, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $8,701 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.20(b)(1): It shall be the responsibility of the employer to initiate and maintain such programs as may be necessary to comply with this part.  (a) On June 14, 2022, an employee, working in direct sunlight was exposed to the hazard of excessive net heat load (environmental heat conditions and metabolic generated heat conditions) while performing trenching work for the installation of solar cable lines. For the duration of the work shift (2 hours), the average heat index was 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with a peak heat index of 96 degrees Fahrenheit. The employer had not initiated a heat stress illness prevention program To ensure that employees were protected from the hazard of the development of heat-related illnesses through recognized control methods such as but not limited to: (1) limiting exposure through work scheduling for cooler parts of the day, limiting exposure through work/rest schedule, providing cool areas for rest and recovery), and minimizing manual labor where mechanical devices are available; (2) acclimatization for new employees, employees returning to the work environment after a time away, and employees experiencing the first heat waves of the season; (3) employee training; (4) and emergency medical actions

Issued

Nov 22, 2022

Abate by

Feb 16, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.20(b)(2): Such programs shall provide for frequent and regular inspections of the job sites, materials, and equipment to be made by competent persons designated by the employers.  a) On June 14, 2022, an employee, working in direct sunlight was exposed to the hazard of excessive net heat load (environmental heat conditions and metabolic generated heat conditions) of excessive ambient heat while performing trenching work for the installation of solar cable lines. The employer failed to perform frequent and regular inspections of the job site to ensure that employee(s) were adequately protected from the hazards of heat stress for the duration of the work shift (two hours), when the average heat index was 91 degrees Fahrenheit, with a peak heat index of 96 degrees Fahrenheit and the metabolic rate of the trenching work performed was calculated to be heavy (415 Watts).

Issued

Nov 22, 2022

Abate by

Feb 16, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.21(b)(2): The employer shall instruct each employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to his work environment to control or eliminate any hazards or other exposure to illness or injury.  (a) On or about and at times prior to June 14, 2022,, the employer failed to instruct an employee in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions that were applicable to outdoor trenching work, including but not limited to aspects such as a high ambient heat index, direct sunlight, and strenuous work, that could lead to the employee's exposure to heat stress and heat-related illness. Workers did not receive training and information on the following elements of a Heat Stress Prevention Program, including but not limited to:  Workers did not receive training and information on the following elements of a Heat Stress Prevention Program, including but not limited to: ? heat stress hazards; ? predisposing factors for heat-related illnesses;  ? recognition of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses;  ? causes of heat-related illnesses and procedures to minimize the risk of occurrence;  ? potential health effects of excessive heat stress;  ? appropriate first aid practices;  ? the importance of acclimatization;  ? proper precautions for work in heat-stress areas;  ? the importance of immediately reporting to their supervisor the development of any signs or symptoms of heat-related illnesses; ? the importance of emergency medical treatment for heat stroke and heat exhaustion; and  ? the effects of therapeutic drugs, over-the-counter medications, alcohol, or caffeine that may increase the risk of heat-related illness by reducing heat tolerance

Issued

Nov 22, 2022

Abate by

Feb 16, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $8,701 Reduced

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.50(c):In the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician, that is reasonably accessible in terms of time and distance to the worksite, which is available for the treatment of injured employees, a person who has a valid certificate in first-aid training from the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the American Red Cross, or equivalent training that can be verified by documentary evidence, shall be available at the worksite to render first aid.  a)  On June 14, 2022 the employer did not ensure that, in the absence of an infirmary, clinic, hospital, or physician, the employee rendered first aid in that emergency services were not called by the employer.