OSHA Inspection: RI SMITH CHICKEN LLC

Issued

Feb 1, 2024

Abate by

Apr 5, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $16,131

Hazardous substances 8330

General-duty citation text

OSH ACT of 1970 Section (5)(a)(1): The employer did not furnish employment and a place of employment which were free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees, in that employees were not protected from the hazard of high heat while performing jobs duties:  (a) Kitchen:   On or about, and at times prior to, September 8, 2023, employees were exposed to the hazard of high heat from several sources including: hot food preparation equipment including fryers, ovens, toasters; hot food holding equipment including heated water baths, heated cabinets, heated shelves; hot and humid air being exhausted from cold holding equipment refrigeration units and facility lighting.  Employees were observed to be exposed to WBGT (inside) of 86.5 degrees F and Heat Index of 103.5 degrees F while engaged with moderate exertion activities including food preparation, retrieval of bulk food boxes from storage areas and filling counter customer orders.  Heat indexes were documented in the community at 99 degrees F, and in the kitchen a wall mounted thermostat's thermometer read 99 degrees F during this time period. On the day prior to the inspection, employees working in the kitchen in the afternoon reported experiencing nausea, vomiting, bloody noses, fatigue, and skin rashes, and on the day following the inspection an employee reported experiencing fatigue, elevated body temperature dizziness and loss of consciousness.

Issued

Feb 1, 2024

Penalty

Initial $16,131 · Current $0 Reduced

General-duty citation text

29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2):  The employer did not ensure that the floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition. The employer did not ensure that when wet processes are used, drainage is be maintained and, to the extent feasible, dry standing places, such as false floors, platforms, and mats are provided.   (a) Kitchen Dish Room:  On or about, and at times prior to, September 8, 2023, the employer did not ensure that the floor in the dish room area, to the extent feasible, was maintained in a dry condition in that the floor drains were not draining properly and employees working in this area did not have a dry standing place.