OSHA Inspection: SOTO'S PALLET COMPANY

Issued

Apr 28, 2023

Abate by

Jun 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,465 · Current $3,100 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.  (a): On or about January 26, 2023, the employer did not conduct a periodic inspection of the energy control procedure at least annually to ensure that the procedure and the requirements of 29 CFR  1910.147 are being followed in regards (but not limited) to the Single Feed Trim Saw while performing maintenance.  Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 28, 2023

Abate by

Jun 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $6,250 · Current $4,350 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.147(d): The established procedure for the application of energy control (the lockout or tagout procedure) was not done in sequence as required by 29 CFR 1910.147(d)(1) through (d)(6):  (a): On or about January 25, 2023, Employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts and pinch points from the unexpected start-up and energization of the One Man Pallet Dismantler while performing maintenance such as (but not limited to) replacement of the bandsaw blade.  The employer did not implement energy control application steps as required.  As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving lockout/tagout device application [(d)(4)(i)] and verification of isolation [(d)(6)], were not implemented to protect employees from machine hazards.  Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 28, 2023

Abate by

Jun 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $6,250 · Current $4,350 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 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 January 26, 2023, the employer did not ensure that machinery points of operation were guarded to protect employees from contact with the danger zone during the operating cycle.  Employees operating the SmartProduct Pallet Dismantler #1 were exposed to amputation hazards from the blade while operating the Smart Product Pallet Dismantler.  (b): On or about January 26, 2023, the employer did not ensure that machinery points of operation were guarded to protect employees from contact with the danger zone during the operating cycle.  Employees operating the SmartProduct Pallet Dismantler #2 were exposed to amputation hazards from the blade while operating the Smart Product Pallet Dismantler.  (c): On or about January 26, 2023, the employer did not ensure that machinery points of operation were guarded to protect employees from contact with the danger zone during the operating cycle.  Employees working on and around the Single End Power Feed Trim Saw were exposed to amputation hazards from the exposed blade .  Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 28, 2023

Abate by

Jun 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,465 · Current $3,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(g)(1): Space about electric equipment. Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained about all electric equipment to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.  (a): On or about January 26, 2023, the employer did not ensure sufficient access and working space was provided and maintained about all electrical equipment (operating at 600 volts, nominal, or less to ground) to permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment.  Employees were exposed to electrical and fire hazards from a wheeled conveyor and wood framed box obstructing access to the electrical panels on the south wall.   Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).

Issued

Apr 28, 2023

Abate by

Jun 20, 2023

Penalty

Initial $4,465 · Current $3,100 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(g)(2)(ii):Flexible cords may be used only in continuous lengths without splice or tap. Hard-service cord and junior hard-service cord No. 14 and larger may be repaired if spliced so that the splice retains the insulation, outer sheath properties, and usage characteristics of the cord being spliced.  (a): On or about January 26, 2023, the employer did not ensure the flexible cords on the Single End Power Feed Trim Saw were continuous and without splice.  Employees were exposed to electrical hazards from the unprotected wires used to connect the conveyor motor to other parts of the machine.  Abatement certification is required of this item in accordance with the requirements of 29 CFR 1903.19(d).