OSHA Inspection: KNIFE RIVER CORPORATION - MOUNTAIN WEST

Issued

Jan 12, 2023

Abate by

Feb 8, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,502 · Current $4,515 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.651(k)(2):Where the competent person found evidence of a situation that could result in possible cave-in, indications of failure of protective systems, hazardous atmospheres, or other hazardous conditions, exposed employee(s) was/were not removed from the hazardous area until the necessary precautions have been taken to ensure their safety.  a) On July 20, 2022: two employees connecting pipe for new fire hydrants were initially working in a 5.8 foot trench without cave-in protection. After cave-in protection had been installed, employees were not provided a ladder, the trench box was not placed in a way to restrict lateral movement and end caps were not installed on the trench box.   NOTE: Abatement certification and documentation are required for this item.

Issued

Jan 12, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.652(g)(1)(ii): Shields were not installed in a manner to restrict lateral or other hazardous movement of the shield in the event of the application of sudden lateral loads:   a) On July 20, 2022:  Employees worked inside a 5.8 foot trench box (E0050371) which was not adequately balanced. A heavy-duty pipe was placed between the trench box and the trench wall in an attempt to keep the box from moving. An employee was clearing dirt from inside the trench to connect pipe for new fire hydrants, and one employee was holding the pipe in position.   Note* Abatement certification IS NOT required.

Issued

Jan 12, 2023

Abate by

Feb 8, 2023

Penalty

Initial $113,960 · Current $85,470 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.651(c)(2): A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress was not located in trench excavations that were 4 feet (1.22m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62m) of lateral travel for employees:  a) On July 20, 2022: Employees were clearing dirt and cutting pipe from inside a 5.8 foot trench without cave-in protection, to connect a pipe for new fire hydrants. An access ladder was not inside the trench while employees were working.  Note* Abatement certification and documentation IS required.  Knife River Corporation - Mountain West was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1926.652(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1523458, citation number 2, item number 1, and was affirmed as a final order on 10/25/21, with respect to a workplace located at Franklin and Cloverdale, Boise, ID 83703.  Knife River Corporation - Northwest was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1242651, citation number 1, item number 1b and was affirmed as a final order on 8/24/2017, with respect to a workplace located at Cameron Street in Kellogg, ID.

Issued

Jan 12, 2023

Abate by

Feb 2, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1926.652(a)(1): Each employee in an excavation was not protected from cave-ins by an adequate protective system designed in accordance with paragraph (b) or (c) of this section:  a) On July 20, 2022:  two employees connecting pipe for new fire hydrants were working in a 5.8 foot trench without cave-in protection.  b) On July 20, 2022:  Employees worked inside a 5.8 foot trench box (E0050371) which did not have end caps installed. Trench walls were within 1 foot of the exposed ends of trench box.   Note* Abatement certification and documentation IS required.  Knife River Corporation - Mountain West was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1926.652(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1523458, citation number 2, item number 2(b), and was affirmed as a final order on 10/25/21, with respect to a workplace located at Franklin and Cloverdale, Boise, ID 83703.  Knife River Corporation, dba Knife River was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard, which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1358224, citation number 1, item number 1b and was affirmed as a final order on 4/4/2019, with respect to a workplace located on 3rd Avenue and Main Street in Lava Hot Springs, ID.