OSHA Inspection: MOUNTAIN WEST, LLC

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $7,813 · Current $3,907 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(1):The employer did not evaluate the workplace to determine if any spaces were permit-required confined spaces:  a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to entrapment hazards and the inability to self rescue while entering and breaking up loose materials in the the NOVA Conveyor bagging system hopper.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.146(c)(4):When the employer decided that its employees would enter permit spaces, the employer did not develop and implement a written permit space entry program that complied with 29 CFR 1910.146:  a)  4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to entrapment hazards and the inability to self rescue while entering and breaking up loose materials in the NOVA Conveyor bagging system hopper.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $9,376 · Current $4,688 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.212(a)(1): One or more methods of machine guarding was not 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:  a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to caught in hazards while opening and entering the NOVA Automated Bagger System to unclog product. The Nova Automated Bagger System had doors covering the moving machinery with an interlock bypassed allowing employees to access moving equipment.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $6,250 · Current $3,125 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.219(d)(1): Pulley(s) with part(s) seven feet or less from the floor or work platform were not guarded in accordance with the requirements specified in 29 CFR 1910.219(m) and (o):  a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT: On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to caught in hazards from the unguarded tail pulley on the Nova Hopper Conveyor.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.219(e)(2)(i): Overhead horizontal belts, with lower parts seven (7) feet or less from the floor or platform, shall be guarded on sides and bottom in accordance with paragraph (o)(3) of this section.   a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to caught in hazards from the an unguarded belt on the Nova Hopper Conveyor.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $7,813 · Current $3,907 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1)(i):Work space was less than 30 inches wide in front of electric equipment operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less:  a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were unable to access the main breaker panel in the event of an emergency due to product and material accumulating in front of the main breaker panel.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.22(a)(3): The employer did not ensure that walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards such as sharp or protruding objects, loose boards, corrosion, leaks, spills, snow, and ice.  a)  4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to slip and fall hazards while using an outdoor stairwell to access the upper level of a conveyor belt system that was covered in ice and debris.

Issued

Apr 25, 2023

Abate by

May 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.28(b)(11)(ii): 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(11)(ii): The employer did not ensure that each flight of stairs having at least 3 treads and at least 4 risers is equipped with stair rail systems and handrails as described in 29 CFR 1910.28 Table D-2-Stairway Handrail Requirements:  a) 4322 Diamond Rd, Superior, MT:  On or about December 28, 2022, and at times prior, employees were exposed to fall hazards while utilizing a stairwell that contained 4 treads and 5 risers  to access the Nova Hopper to perform maintenance. The stair rail system did not have a midrail installed.