OSHA Inspection: APPALACHIAN WOOD FLOORS, INC.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

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 while using portable circular saws to cut wood on moving conveyors and that were a continuously moving outfeed.   a) On or about October 17, 2022, in the Moulder Department at the infeed conveyor for the 2400 Powermat Moulder, the employee was exposed to hazards that may result in amputations while using a Skil portable circular saw to cut wood on an inclined moving conveyor, while the wood was not stabilized.  b) On or about October 18, 2022, in the Glue Room, an employee was exposed to hazards that may result in amputations while using a Milwaukee portable circular saw to cut a continuously moving outfeed of wood. The wood was not stabilized while the employee was holding the wood underneath while cutting it.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $8,840 · Current $4,420 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1): All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition.  a) On or about November 8, 2022, in areas such as but not limited to the chop saws in the Solids Department, employee #4 was exposed to trip and fall hazards while entering and exiting the work area from the buildup of wood in the passageway between chop saw #4 and the exit ladder.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(i): Procedures shall be developed, documented and utilized for the control of potentially hazardous energy when employees are engaged in the activities covered by this section.   a) On or about October 17, 2022 and November 8, 2022 in the Moulder Department, the employer did not develop lockout procedures for deenergizing the 2400 Powermat Moulder when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment. Employees were exposed to hazards that may result in amputations.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii): The procedures shall clearly and specifically outline the scope, purpose, authorization, rules, and techniques to be utilized for the control of hazardous energy, and the means to enforce compliance including, but not limited to, the following:  (B) Specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking and securing machines or equipment to control hazardous energy; (C) Specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices or tagout devices and the responsibility for them; and (D) Specific requirements for testing a machine or equipment to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, tagout devices, and other energy control measures.  a) On or about September 27, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the 200 Opticut Elite Saw were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source and the stored energy in the tank that was not bled off; the electrical disconnect that was utilized for lockout;  the procedures listed for the four electrical disconnects that were not being utilized and not identified as a lockout point for the Opticut 200 Elite Saw; the requirements for other machinery that shared the same electrical panel such as the end tenoner; the specific procedures for removal of lockout devices; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means.  Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  b) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Glue Room, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the Single Line Glue Roll Coater and Single Line Press and Double Line Gluer and Double Line Press were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; the specific procedures for removing lockout devices; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means.  Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  c) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the Wintersteiger Band Saw were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; the specific procedures for removing lockout devices; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means.  Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  d) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the 1000 Hydromat Moulder were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source and the stored energy that was not bled off; the requirements for other machinery that shared the same electrical panel such as the grinders; the electrical disconnect that was utilized for lockout;  the procedures listed for an electrical disconnect that was not being utilized; the specific procedures for removal of lockout devices; the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  e) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the conveyors were adequate in that it did not address: how to lockout at the main on the south wall and that this lockout was not being utilized; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  f) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the chop saws were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; how to lockout at the main on the south wall and that this lockout was not being utilized; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  g) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the Hasko saws and endmatcher were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; how to lockout at the main on the south wall and that this lockout was not being utilized; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  h) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the conveyors were adequate in that it did not address: the electrical disconnect points identified or labeled in the procedure as there were 15 unlabeled and unidentified disconnects in the procedure; the main lockout point behind the Kentwood Moulder in that it was not identified or pictured in the procedure; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  i) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the chop saws were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; the electrical disconnect points to be used as there were 15 unlabeled and unidentified disconnects in the procedure; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  j) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not ensure that the machine specific lockout procedures for the chop saws were adequate in that it did not address: the pneumatic energy source; the electrical disconnect points identified or labeled in the procedure as there were 15 unlabeled and unidentified disconnects in the procedure; the main lockout point behind the Kentwood Moulder in that it was not identified or pictured in the procedure; the specific procedures for locking out and removing the locks; and the specific requirements for testing and the verification means. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): Application of control. The established procedures for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedures) shall cover the following elements and actions and shall be done in the following sequence: (1) Preparation for shutdown. Before an authorized or affected employee turns off a machine or equipment, the authorized employee shall have knowledge of the type and magnitude of the energy, the hazards of the energy to be controlled, and the method or means to control the energy. (2) Machine or equipment shutdown. The machine or equipment shall be turned off or shut down using the procedures established for the machine or equipment. An orderly shutdown must be utilized to avoid any additional or increased hazard(s) to employees as a result of the equipment stoppage. (3) Machine or equipment isolation. All energy isolating devices that are needed to control the energy to the machine or equipment shall be physically located and operated in such a manner as to isolate the machine or equipment from the energy source(s). (4) Lockout or tagout device application. (i) Lockout or tagout devices shall be affixed to each energy isolating device by authorized employees. (ii) Lockout devices, where used, shall be affixed in a manner to that will hold the energy isolating devices in a "safe" or "off" position. (5) Stored energy. (i) Following the application of lockout or tagout devices to energy isolating devices, all potentially hazardous stored or residual energy shall be relieved, disconnected, restrained, and otherwise rendered safe. (6) Verification of isolation. Prior to starting work on machines or equipment that have been locked out or tagged out, the authorized employee shall verify that isolation and deenergization of the machine or equipment have been accomplished.  a) On or about September 27, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employee unjamming the Opticut 200 Elite saw was exposed to a pinch point at a belt and pulley due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the saw was not turned off; 3. no locks were placed on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were applied on the equipment energy sources; 5. stored energy sources such as pneumatic were not bled off; 6. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  b) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employees unjamming the Opticut 200 Elite saw were exposed to the saw blade, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the saw was not turned off; 3. no locks were placed on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were applied on the equipment energy sources; 5. stored energy sources such as pneumatic were not bled off; 6. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  c) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employees cleaning the Opticut 200 Elite saw were exposed to the sawblade, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the equipment was not turned off; 3. no locks were placed on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were applied on the equipment energy sources; 5. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  d) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Moulder Department, the employees unjamming the 2400 Powermat moulder were exposed to wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the equipment was not turned off; 3. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 5. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  e) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Moulder Department, the employees cleaning the 2400 Powermat moulder were exposed to wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the equipment was not turned off; 3. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 5. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated.  Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  f) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Glue Room, the employees unjamming the double and single line gluer press were exposed to a pinch point at the rollers due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. the equipment was not turned off; 3. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  4. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 5. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  g) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employees cleaning and performing preventive maintenance on the Wintersteiger bandsaw were exposed to blades, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  3. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 4. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  h) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employees cleaning the Hasko saw on the tongue side were exposed to pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy from a saw blade, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  3. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 4. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated.  Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  i) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employees cleaning the conveyors, chop saws, Hasko saws and end matchers were exposed to pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy from a saw blade, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  3. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 4. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated.  Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  j) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employees cleaning the conveyors, chop saws, Hasko saws and end matchers were exposed to pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy from a saw blade, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  3. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 4. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated.  Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  k) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employees unjamming the 1000 Hydromat moulder were exposed to pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy from a saw blade, belts and pulleys, shaft, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  2. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 3. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  l) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employees cleaning the Hydromat 1000 moulder were exposed to pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical energy from a saw blade, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. The employee was not an authorized employee; 2. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  3. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 4. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.  m) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employees cleaning and performing preventive maintenance on the Neva frame saw were exposed to blades, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets due to not applying the following required elements of a lockout procedure: 1. no locks were applied on energy sources such as electrical and pneumatic;  2. no locks or tags were put on the equipment energy sources; 3. no restart or other testing was performed to verify that the energy was isolated. Employees were exposed to amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(6)(i): The employer shall conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of this standard are being followed.  The employer did not conduct periodic inspections at least annually on the lockout procedures for equipment such as but not limited to:  a) On or about October 5, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employer did not inspect the machine specific energy control procedure for the Opticut 200 Elite Saw since 2015, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.  b) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer did not inspect the machine specific energy control procedure for the Wintersteiger Band Saw since 2016, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.  c) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not inspect the machine specific energy control procedure for the Engineering Production Line for equipment such as but not limited to the conveyors, chop saws, and the Hasko saws and end matcher since 2017, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.  d) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not inspect the machine specific energy control procedure for the Solids Production Line for equipment such as but not limited to the conveyors, chop saws, and the Hasko saws and end matcher since 2015, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.  e) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not inspect the machine specific energy control procedure for the 1000 Hydromat since 2015, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(c)(7)(i)(A) Each authorized employee shall receive training in the recognition of applicable hazardous energy sources, the type and magnitude of the energy available in the workplace, and the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control.  a) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, operators and department employees were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the conveyors, the chop saws, and the Hasko saws when unjamming and cleaning inside, around, and under the equipment exposing them to hazards from saw blades, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  b) On or about November 7, 2022 in the Solids Department, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and stored energy on the 1000 Hydromat moulder when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment exposing them to hazards from cutting heads, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  c) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Moulder Department operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and stored energy on the 2400 Powermat moulder when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment exposing them to hazards from cutting heads, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  d) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and stored energy on the Opticut 200 Elite Saw when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment exposing them to hazards from sawblades, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  e) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Frame Department, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the Wintersteiger band saw when cleaning and performing preventive maintenance exposing them to hazards from saw blades, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  f) On or about October 18, 2022 in the Frame Department, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the Neva frame saw when cleaning and performing preventive maintenance exposing them to hazards from saw blades, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  g) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized employees on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the conveyors, the chop saws, and the Hasko saws when unjamming and cleaning inside, around, and under the equipment exposing them to hazards from saw blades, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  h) On or about October 17, 2022 and the Glue Room, operators and employees that assisted with the operation were not trained as authorized on the methods and means necessary for energy isolation and control to lockout the hazardous energy such as but not limited to electric energy on the Single Line and Double Line Gluer Press when unjamming the equipment exposing ingoing rollers. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(c)(7)(iii)(B): Additional retraining shall also be conducted whenever a periodic inspection under paragraph (c)(6) of this section reveals, or whenever the employer has reason to believe that there are deviations from or inadequacies in the employee's knowledge or use of the energy control procedures.  a) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the conveyors, the chop saws, and the Hasko saws when unjamming and cleaning inside, around, and under the equipment exposing them to hazards from saw blades, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  b) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Moulder Department and Solids Department, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and stored energy on the 1000 Hydromat moulder and 2400 Powermat moulder when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment exposing them to hazards from cutting heads, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  c) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Herringbone Department, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric, pneumatic, and stored energy on the Opticut 200 Elite Saw when unjamming and cleaning inside the equipment exposing them to hazards from sawblades, rollers, belts and pulleys, and chains and sprockets. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  d) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the Wintersteiger saw and Neva frame saw when cleaning and performing preventive maintenance exposing them to hazards from saw blades, wheels, rollers, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  e) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric and pneumatic energy on the conveyors, the chop saws, and the Hasko saws when unjamming and cleaning inside, around, and under the equipment exposing them to hazards from saw blades, belts and pulleys, chains and sprockets, and gears. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.  f) On or about November 9, 2022 and the Glue Room, the employer did not retrain supervisors who were not proficient on the methods and procedures to lockout energy such as but not limited to electric energy on the Single Line and Double Line Gluer when unjamming the presses and cleaning the hot melt glue roll coaters equipment exposing ingoing rollers. Employees were exposed to hazards such as but not limited to amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(b)(6): Each operating treadle shall be protected against unexpected or accidental tripping.  a) On October 5, 2022 in the Solids Department, employees were exposed to amputation hazards from uncovered foot treadles at the conveyors, the strappers, and the chop saws.   b) On October 21, 2022 in the Glue Room, employees were exposed to amputation hazards from uncovered foot treadles at the conveyors and single and double line gluer presses.  c) On November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department, employees were exposed  to amputation hazards from uncovered foot treadles at the chop saws.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Apr 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(d)(1): Each circular crosscut table saw shall be guarded by a hood which shall meet all the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section for hoods for circular ripsaws.  a) On or about November 10, 2022 in Solids, employees are exposed to inadequate  guarding on chop saws #1, 2, 3 and 4 with a two inch opening under the top guard which will allow the employees' entire hand to enter the saw, exposing them to amputation hazards.   b) On or about November 10, 2022 in Solid Core/ Specialties, employees are exposed to inadequate guarding on chop saws #1 and 2 with a one inch opening under the top guard at the blade which will allow the employees' entire hand to enter. An extended plexiglass enclosure goes over the top of the operating area that had a 6x17 inch opening on each side. The guard edge was located 13 inches from the blade which allowed the employee to reach the blade with their arm, exposing them to amputation hazards.  c) On or about November 10, 2022 in Engineering, employees are exposed to chop saws #1 and #2 without guarding where the wood enters the blade, which are used to make cross cuts in the wood, with a one inch opening under the top guard which will allow the employees' entire hand to enter the saw, exposing them to amputation hazards.  d) On or about November 10, 2022 in the frame department, employees are exposed to a chop saw without guarding where the wood enters the blade, which are used to make cross cuts in the wood, with a two inch high opening under the top guard which will allow the employees' entire hand to enter the saw, exposing them to amputation hazards.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.213(r)(4): The mention of specific machines in paragraphs (a) thru (q) and this paragraph (r) of this section, inclusive, is not intended to exclude other woodworking machines from the requirement that suitable guards and exhaust hoods be provided to reduce to a minimum the hazard due to the point of operation of such machines.  a) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Glue Room, the employer did not guard the point of operation which was the ingoing rollers at the single line gluer press machine, exposing employees to ingoing nip point injuries such as but not limited to amputations.  b) On or about November 10, 2022 in Engineering at the Hasko saw and end matcher on the tongue side, the employer had not provided an adequate guard or hood due to the point of operation of the blade to prevent the operator from reaching the blade, exposing employees to hazards such as but not limited to amputations.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $11,050 · Current $5,525 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(1): Electrical equipment was not free from recognized hazards that were likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees:   a) On or about October 19, 2022 in the Glue Room at the single line gluer, employees were exposed to damaged flexible medal conduit which was located between the 480 volt motor control panel and the operations panel at the gluer, exposing employees to 480 volts of electricity when walking over the conduit.  b) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department at the # 4 chop saw, employees were exposed to a damaged control panel that had the electrical pulled away from the bottom and the cover of the receptacle box was missing when working on chop saw #4, exposing employees to 120 volts of electricity when turning on and off the chop saw.  c) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Moulder Department at the 2400 Powermat moulder infeed conveyor, an employee was exposed to a damaged extension cord with exposed metal wire when using the Skil circular portable saw to cut wood, exposing the employee to 120 volts of electricity when using the saw.  d) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department at the Kentwood moulder infeed conveyor, employees were exposed to a damaged foot pedal with exposed conductors when working at the conveyor, exposing employees to 120 volts of electricity when using the other two foot pedals and cleaning.  e) On or about November 8, 2022 throughout the Solids Department, the strapper machines had the front panels removed exposing employees to 110 volts of electricity when operating and placing items in machine.  f) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department at the 1000 Hydromat Moulder, the employees were exposed to the scissor table control box which was missing a cover, exposing employees to 110 volts of electricity while operating table.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,469 · Current $7,735 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(2): Installation and use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.   a) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department at the 1000 Hydromat moulder, employees were exposed to electrical hazards from the  480 volt Rittal motor control cabinet due to the lockout point not being used to lockout the motor control cabinet as the lockout point was no longer present on the outside of the cabinet.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $30,938 · Current $15,468 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(c): The employer must provide, and ensure each employee uses, a safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces.  a) On or about October 5, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer had not provided and ensured a safe means of access and egress from chop saws #1, 2, and 3 in that employees were required to walk on the energized chain deck conveyor feeding the chop saws or climb over the metal angle iron at the chop saws to exit and access the walking-working surface for these saws, exposing employees to fall and amputation hazards.  b) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solid Core Department, the employer had not provided and ensured a safe means of access and egress from chop saw #1 in that employees had to exit and enter the walking-working surface for this saw by walking on the energized conveyor belt, exposing employees to fall and amputation hazards.  c) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department between the end matcher and the grading table, the employer had not provided and ensured a safe means of access and egress from the Hasko saw in that the employee had to access and exit  the walking-working surface for this saw by walking  under a four-foot seven-inch tall energized conveyor belt that contained unguarded rotating sprockets and chains, exposing employees to amputation hazards.   d) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer had not provided and ensured a safe means of access and egress from chop saw #1 in that employees had to walk on the energized chain deck conveyor feeding the chop saw to exit and access the walking-working surface for this saw, exposing employees to fall and amputation hazards.  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.22(c), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1597921 citation number 1, item number 1, and became a final order on July 20, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662.

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $17,679 · Current $8,839 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(11)(ii): (ii) Each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers is equipped with stair rail systems and handrails as follows: (see TABLE D-2)   a) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department at the infeed chain deck, the employer did not provide handrails for steps that had 4 treads and 5 risers, exposing employees to fall hazards.  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard 1910.22(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1597921 citation number 1, item number 2, and became a final order on July 20, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $30,938 · Current $15,468 Reduced

General-duty citation text

CFR 1910.212(a)(1): Types of guarding. One or more methods of machine guarding shall be 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. Examples of guarding methods are-barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.  a) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Glue Room, the employer did not ensure that the single line gluer hot melt roll coater was guarded  with a functioning magnetic sensor interlock device or other effective guard on the lexan door to prevent employees from opening the door while the gluer was operating, thereby  exposing employees to amputation and thermal hazards, such as but not limited to while cleaning the roll coaters.  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.212(a)(1), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1383296 citation number 1, item number 1 and became a final order on May 8, 2019, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $30,938 · Current $15,468 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.219(f)(3): Sprockets and chains. All sprocket wheels and chains shall be enclosed unless they are more than seven (7) feet above the floor or platform. Where the drive extends over other machines or working areas, protection against falling shall be provided. This subparagraph does not apply to manually operated sprockets.  a) On or about October 17, 2022 in the Moulder Department at the infeed chain deck for the 2400 Powermat moulder conveyor, the employee operating the saw was exposed to an unguarded chain and sprocket of the chain deck motor, exposing employees to amputation hazards.  b) On or about October 19, 2022 in the Glue Room at the outfeed chain deck for the double line gluer press, employees were exposed to an unguarded chain and sprocket when picking up boards from the deck exposing them to an amputation hazards.  c) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Glue Room at the solid core gluer vacuum lift conveyor, the chains along the length of the infeed conveyor were not guarded or completely guarded at the chains and sprockets. Employees working along the conveyor were exposed to amputation hazards.  d) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department at the bottom of the infeed chain deck for the chop saws, employees were exposed to the unguarded chain and sprockets located at the end of the chain deck. The chain and sprocket were located above the chain deck and below the chain deck. Employees who used this aisleway were exposed to amputation hazards from the chain and sprocket.  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard,1910.219(f)(3), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1607293, citation number 1, item number 2 and became a final order on September 27, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $30,938 · Current $15,468 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): Flexible cords and/or cables were used as a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure:    a) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Moulder Department at the 2400 Powermat moulder, the employer used flexible cords as an impermissible substitute for fixed wiring in that a Skil portable saw was plugged into an extension cord that was bent and cut, that extension cord was attached to a multi plug-in connector, which was  plugged into a second extension cord with exposed wires at the connector plug, exposing employees to electrical hazards.  b) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Herringbone Department at the OMGA TR2A SN14889 double miter saw, the employer used flexible cords/cables as an impermissible substitute for fixed wiring  in that a 240 Volt miter saw was plugged into an extension cord, that then was plugged into a second extension cord that ran across the ceiling, that was then plugged into a flexible cable and plug connector located underneath electrical panel number 1, exposing employees to electrical hazards.   c) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer used flexible cables as an impermissible substitute for fixed wiring in that electrical panel #9 had multiple flexible cables with plastic plug connectors located under the electrical panel that went to four 480 volt Neva frame saws, and a 480 volt Wintersteiger band saw that had a flexible cable with exposed wires where it entered the band saw, exposing employees to electrical hazards.  d) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer used flexible cords as an impermissible substitute for fixed wiring in that a microwave was connected to an extension cord that was torn at the plug connector and was attached to an outlet adapter, exposing employees to electrical hazards.  e) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer used flexible cords/cables as a substitute for fixed wiring in that the 480 volt chop saw was connected to an extension cord that was attached to a flexible cable and connector plug hanging under electrical panel #10, exposing employees to electrical hazards.  f) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Frame Department, the employer used flexible cords/cables as a substitute for fixed wiring in that a rip saw was connected to an extension cord that connected to a plastic connector plug that was attached to a flexible cable with exposed wires, exposing employees to electrical hazards.  g) On or about November 9, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer used flexible cords/cables as a substitute for fixed wiring in that the employer wired power to a conveyor motor from a 480 volt Eaton electrical panel, which is the main electrical panel for the Engineering Department, by doing the following:  From underneath the 480-volt Eaton electrical panel two flexible cables with plastic plug connectors were plugged into two electrical boxes at the Kentwood Moulder;  A flexible cable came out from beneath the moulder near the outfeed going down an aisleway on the concrete floor;  The flexible cable entered into 6 feet of metal pipe still on the floor and then continued down the concrete floor after it left the pipe;  The same flexible cable was wrapped around a conveyor leg and went into an outlet receptacle with a missing face plate where there were also exposed wires at the entry and exit point on the outlet due to lack of strain relief;  The flexible cable then went to a motor on a conveyor and came out of the motor with a plastic connector plug which went to an extension cord that was wrapped around a conveyor leg;   The flexible cable then plugged into another cable which went into a pipe and left the pipe and connected to a motor under a conveyor located at the chop saws. The cables and cords exposed the employees to electrical hazards  The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1597921 citation number 1, item number 4 and became a final order on July 20, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662

Issued

Mar 23, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $22,101 · Current $11,050 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(2)(iii): Flexible cords and cables shall be connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided that will prevent pull from being directly transmitted to joints or terminal screws.  a) On or about October 5, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that flexible extension cords and cables were connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided in that the Chop Saw #4 cable to the controller had exposed insulated wires due to the lack of strain relief, exposing employees to an electrical hazard.   b) On or about October 5, 2022 in the Solids Department at the Hydromat 1000 moulder, the employer did not ensure that flexible extension cords and cables were connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided in that the control panel at the Hydromat 1000 had exposed insulated wires due to the lack of strain relief, exposing employees to an electrical hazard.   c) On or about October 21, 2022 in the Engineering Department, the employer did not ensure that flexible extension cords and cables were connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided in that the Hasko saw on the tongue side of the end matcher had three areas of exposed insulated wires at the flexible metal conduit, an exposed insulated wire at the outlet box on the front, and pulled wiring at the side electrical panel due to lack of strain relief, exposing employees to an electrical hazard.   d) On or about November 8, 2022 in the Solids Department, the employer did not ensure that flexible extension cords and cables were connected to devices and fittings so that strain relief is provided in that the Hasko saw on the tongue side of the end matcher had exposed insulated wires at the rear electrical panel next to the ground due to lack of strain relief, exposing employees to an electrical hazard.   The Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc. was previously cited for a violation of this occupational safety and health standard or its equivalent standard, 1910.305(g)(2)(iii), which was contained in OSHA inspection number 1597921 citation number 1, item number 5 and became a final order on July 20, 2022, with respect to a workplace located at Appalachian Wood Floors, Inc., 838 Campbell Ave., Portsmouth, OH 45662