OSHA Inspection: RAFAEL BARAJAS

Issued

Jun 22, 2023

Abate by

Jul 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $12,500 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 in that employees were exposed to excessive heat, elevated temperature working conditions, direct sun radiation and thermal stress:  On or about 01/01/2023, at 12210 Loxahatchee Road, Parkland, FL, employees were exposed to high ambient heat from working in direct sunlight while performing harvesting job duties such as pulling weeds and staking bell peppers. The calculated Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) between 9:53 am and 1:53 pm ranged from 78- 88 degrees Fahrenheit with a heat index up to 89 degrees Fahrenheit. Such exposures may lead to the development of serious heat-related illnesses such as, but not limited to, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and up to and including death. An employee had been working approximately 5 hours pulling weed and staking bell peppers when the employee was observed exhibiting symptoms of heat exhaustion such as fatigue, weakness, and disorientation.