OSHA Inspection: HFI, LLC

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Dec 29, 2023

Penalty

Initial $11,162 · Current $6,697 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, those described in 29 CFR 1910.147(c)(4)(ii)(A)-(D):  a. On or about May 23, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the specific procedures for hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout) of the conventional foam line included [(c)(4)(ii)(B)] specific procedural steps for shutting down, isolating, blocking, and securing all applicable pneumatic energy sources; [(c)(4)(ii)(C)] specific procedural steps for the placement, removal and transfer of lockout devices and the responsibility for them; [(c)(4)(ii)(D)] specific procedural steps testing air compressors and/or air tanks to determine and verify the effectiveness of lockout devices, and any other control measures. As a result, employees were exposed to struck-by hazards associated with performing servicing and/or maintenance to equipment and components on the conventional foam line.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Dec 29, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 May 23, 2023, maintenance employees were exposed to machine hazards associated with moving parts, pinch points, electrical hazards during maintenance and/or troubleshooting the conventional foam line. The employer failed to implement energy control application steps as the machine was not shut down or turned off to perform the servicing work [per the 1910.147(d)(2) requirements]. As a result, the remaining applicable energy control elements, involving machine isolation [(d)(3)], LOTO device application [(d)(4)], dissipation of residual energy [(d)(5)(i)]and verification of isolation [(d)(6)], were not implemented to protect employees from machine servicing hazards.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $9,375 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 June 21, 2023, the employer failed to ensure that production employees at the conventional foam line were protected from rotating parts and ingoing nip points due to unguarded openings under the conveyor belt at the end rollers thereby exposing employees to caught-in hazards.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Dec 14, 2023

Penalty

Initial $11,162 · Current $6,697 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.303(b)(1): Examination. Electric equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees. Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:  a. On or about May 23, 2023, the employer did not examine the electrical equipment in use on the KONAL #13776 Race Track Moulding Line (conventional foam line) to identify damaged electrical conduit and raceways, pulled electrical fittings, missing protective covers, thereby exposing employees to electrical shock hazards.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Nov 28, 2023

Penalty

Initial $6,696 · Current $4,018 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv): Unless specifically permitted otherwise in paragraph (g)(1)(ii) of this section, flexible cords and cables may not be used:  29 CFR 1910.305(g)(1)(iv)(A): As a substitute for the fixed wiring of a structure;  a. On or about June 28, 2023, extension cords in the scrap reclaim area were used in lieu of fixed wiring of the structure to energize power tools, thereby exposing employees to electrical and/or fire hazards.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Nov 28, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

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 June 21, 2023, on the conventional foam line trimming station 1, the employer failed to ensure flexible cords connected to a conventional foam line conveyor motor were provided with strain relief, thereby exposing employees to electrical hazards.   b. On or about June 21, 2023, behind carousel 1 & 2, the employer failed to ensure flexible cords connected to the motor for carousel 1 & 2 hydraulic pump were provided with strain relief, thereby exposing employees to electrical hazards.  c. On or about June 21, 2023, behind carousel 1 & 2, the employer failed to ensure flexible cords connected to the Temptek chiller unit were provided with strain relief, thereby exposing employees to electrical hazards.

Issued

Nov 8, 2023

Abate by

Dec 14, 2023

Penalty

Initial $0 · Current $0

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.157(e)(2):Portable extinguishers or hose used in lieu thereof under paragraph (d)(3) of this section shall be visually inspected monthly.  a. On or about June 28, 2023, the employer did not ensure that portable fire extinguishers in the warehouse were visually inspected monthly.