OSHA Inspection: NATURE'S PATH USA II LLC

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 19, 2023

Penalty

Initial $5,122 · Current $3,000 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.147(f)(3)(ii): Group lockout or tagout devices were not used in accordance with procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4):  (a)  On or about May 18, 2023, employees were sanitizing equipment as a group, with the machine broken down and guards removed. The employer did not ensure that group lockout or tagout devices were implemented in accordance with procedures required by 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4).  Employees used a lock box for group lockout procedures, but did not ensure the lock box was closed and locked by the lead of the sanitation work crew.  This exposed employees to a caught-in and amputation hazard.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 12, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,500 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) On or about May 18, 2023, at the granola production line, the Proctor mixing auger of the granola mixing line was not guarded properly. The fifth (5th) section cover plate of the mixing auger line (from the discharge shoot) had an opening of 2.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches in length for adding ingredients into the granola mixing process.  This exposed employees to ingoing nip point, caught-on and amputation hazard created by the rotating mixing auger.  (b) On or about May 18, 2023, at the granola production line, the Proctor mixing auger of the granola mixing line was not guarded properly. The third (3rd) section cover plate of the mixing auger line (from the discharge shoot) had an opening of 2.5 inches wide by 6 inches in length for adding ingredients into the granola mixing process.  This exposed employees to ingoing nip point, caught-on and amputation hazard created by the rotating mixing auger.

Issued

Sep 29, 2023

Abate by

Oct 12, 2023

Penalty

Initial $14,063 · Current $8,500 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.219(f)(3): Sprocket wheels and chains which were seven (7) feet or less above floors or platforms were not enclosed:  (a) On or about May 18, 2023, the sprocket wheel and chain on the Proctor Oven Pivot/Belt Conveyor tail end at the discharge shoot from the mixer conveyor was not guarded to prevent access to the moving parts, thereby exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazard.  (b) On or about May 18, 2023, the sprocket wheel and chain on front of the proctor oven conveyor of the granola production line,  were not guarded to prevent access to the moving parts, thereby exposing employees to caught-in and amputation hazard.  (c) On or about May 18, 2023, the sprocket wheel and chain on the Proctor Bucket Elevator (serial # 080114) of the granola production line was not guarded to prevent access to the moving parts, thereby exposing employees to caught in and amputation hazard.