OSHA Inspection: AMERICAN SUGAR REFINING INC

Issued

Nov 27, 2023

Abate by

Jan 31, 2024

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $9,598 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i):29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i): Except as provided elsewhere in this section 29 CFR 1910.28, the employer did not ensure that each employee on a walking-working surface with an unprotected side or edge that is 4 feet (1.2 m) or more above a lower level is protected from falling by one or more of the systems described in 29 CFR 1910.28(b)(1)(i).   On or about August 16, 2023, in several locations in Building #2, employees were exposed to fall hazards greater than four (4) feet in height while performing supervisor-assigned tasks.  Location:  1. Building #2, 5th-floor east side, around belt 8-165-23, open area in the floor, no guardrails, nets, or personal fall protection, close to Belt A-9-256.   2. Building #2, 5th-floor south side (4-5 feet from the wall), open area in the floor, no guardrails, nets, or personal fall protection.   3. Building #2, 5th-floor northeast side open area in the floor, no guardrails, nets, or personal fall protection.   4. Building #2, 5th-floor open area in the floor, no guardrails, nets, or personal fall protection.   5. Building #2, Hoppers 10, 18, 22,23, & 24, open with no guardrails, nets, or personal fall protection.   6. The warehouse bridge from the central warehouse to the additional warehouse. The bridge crosses over the rail tracks.

Issued

Nov 27, 2023

Abate by

Dec 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $13,394 · Current $7,367 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1): Portable fire extinguishers were not mounted, located, and identified so that they were readily accessible without subjecting the employees to injuries.  On or about August 16, 2023, employees were exposed to fire hazards in several locations in the warehouse area due to blocked fire extinguishers while performing supervisor-assigned tasks.  Location:  1. Warehouse dispatch area/loading dock area.  2. Warehouse area next to the rail tracks.   3. Main warehouse area.

Issued

Nov 27, 2023

Abate by

Dec 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $9,598 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.  On or about August 16, 2023. at several locations in the plant, rotating drums, conveyor belts, rotating wheels, and chains were unguarded, exposing employees. Locations: 1) Bldg 25 Northwest side of Filter House drum/head pully front side approximately 15 yards from the east side wall. 2) Bldg 25: The Northwest side of the Filter House chain guard is not installed correctly. It has a gap in the guard that will allow employees to place their hands in the area. The unguarded chain is approximately 15 yards from the east side wall. 3) Bldg 25 #6 granulator head pully no guard. 4) Building #2 Northside Lower elevator pully no guard, 4 yards from the north door. 5) Pan-house Overflow Pipe P-4 no guard burns hazards. Pipe venting steam, no guard. 6) Bldg 2nd floor Roller #6 granulator rotating parts no guard.

Issued

Nov 27, 2023

Abate by

Dec 11, 2023

Penalty

Initial $15,625 · Current $9,598 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR  1910.305(a)(1)(i): Metal raceways, cable armor, and other metal enclosures for conductors were not connected to all boxes, fittings, and cabinets to provide effective electrical continuity.  On or about August 16, 2023, in Building #25, employees were exposed to electrical hazards due to exposed wiring in metal raceways that were not covered or had been pulled from the cabinet, exposing live wires while performing supervisor-assigned tasks.